Mike Leake Heading to the DL
By Bill Pivetz
Aug 2, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Mike Leake (13) throws a pitch in the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
And another pitcher is heading to the disabled list.
The news circuit was a little quiet over the last couple of weeks, especially after the crazy trade deadline. But, it wouldn’t last. The San Francisco Giants announced that newly acquired Mike Leake will land on the 15-day disabled list. Luckily, it won’t be a long DL stint, but you should look for a replacement for those two weeks.
Leake was having a great season with the Cincinnati Reds. He had a 3.56 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 90:34 K:BB ratio with a 9-5 record. Leake then had a good outing in his first with the Giants, pitching 6.1 innings with two earned runs on eight hits and two walks.
He is on the DL with a hamstring strain. He felt the strain during standard conditioning work between starts. He’s hoping he misses just one start, but it is looking like it will be two. The DL stint is retroactive to August 3, pushing up the return date.
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As a result, the Giants recalled Josh Osich to serve as a middle reliever. This will likely move Ryan Vogelsong back into the rotation for the time being. In 16 starts this season, Vogelsong is 6-6 with a 4.00 ERA and 1.26 WHIP. I wouldn’t pick him up as your replacement, as there are many other options on the waiver wire to fill in Leake’s spot.
I expect Mike Leake to return to the mound around August 21, just in time for the weekend road series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He’s been pretty consistent throughout the season, save a couple of poor outings. Do not drop Leake as he will be 100 percent once he is activated.
If someone in your league owns Mike Leake, try to use this injury as a time to buy low. Leake is the third-best starting pitcher over the last 30 days with a 4-1 record and 0.99 ERA. With the playoffs just around the corner, this is the perfect opportunity to strengthen your roster.
Mike Leake is a top-30 pitcher for the rest of the season. Do not worry about the injury if you own him, and look to acquire him if you don’t.