Texas Rangers Re-Sign Veteran Pitcher Two Days After Releasing Him

The Texas Rangers have had a busy offseason with the signing and subsequent release of right-handed pitcher Dominic Leone.

However, just two days after his release, the team has now re-signed Leone to a minor-league contract and assigned him to Triple-A Round Rock.

The Rangers today announced the following transactions:
-LHP John King optioned to Round Rock
-RHP Dominic Leone re-signed to a minor league contract and assigned to Round Rock
-OF Dustin Harris option transferred from Round Rock to Frisco

— Texas Rangers PR (@TXRangersPR) March 29, 2023

Leone, a veteran of ten major league seasons, finished the 2022 season with a 4.01 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, and 52 strikeouts in 55 relief appearances for the San Francisco Giants. They released him in September due to elbow impingement.

Despite his decent career numbers, Leone struggled with his command in the Cactus League, issuing eight walks in 8.1 innings pitched. This likely influenced the Rangers' decision to release him and explore other options before bringing him back on a new deal.

Now, with Leone back in the organization, the Rangers likely won't add him to the major-league roster until he can show some consistent control, his biggest issue right now.

If he does impress, the team will need to add him to the 40-man roster. For his career, he holds a decent 3.69 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, and 373 strikeouts across 356 innings. Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports