Charlie

Leesman

Leesman held a 4.03 over 27 starts for Birmingham this season, striking out 113 and walking 83 over 152 innings. The former 11th-round pick would barely be considered a prospect in most organizations, but he’s one of the better arms in the White Sox’ barren system.

Leesman, who is coming off meniscus surgery, didn’t make an appearance with the White Sox during Cactus League play. The 25-year-old southpaw had a 2.47 ERA and 103/52 K/BB ratio over 135 innings in Triple-A last season and could make his major league debut at some point later this year.

The Rangers claimed Leesman from the White Sox last Friday, but the 26-year-old left-hander had the option of hitting the open market and decided to try his luck. He posted a cool 2.47 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 135 innings (26 starts) last season at Triple-A and should draw a good amount of interest as a free agent.

The move was made in order to clear room on the 40-man roster for Tyler Greene. Leesman doesn’t have overpowering stuff, but he’s 26 and has a career 3.37 ERA in the minors, so it’s possible he’ll draw interest on waivers.

Leesman was designated for assignment over the weekend in order to make room for the newly-acquired Tyler Greene on the 40-man roster. The 26-year-old southpaw owns a 3.37 ERA in the minors and shouldn’t have trouble finding a new home.

Leesman has five days to accept the claim or reject it and pursue other options. The left-hander was designated for assignment by the White Sox earlier this week.

Well, Robin Ventura sure did toughen the rookie up a bit by leaving him out there so long. Or something like that. Leesman is the first reliever to give up seven runs without recording an out since Hansel Izquierdo of the Marlins on June 24, 2002. Two starters have done it in the last five years: Jason Marquis in 2010 and Jeremy Hefner in 2012.

Leesman gave up seven runs without recording an out in a relief appearance Thursday, but it won’t affect the decision to give him a spot start. “Everybody that plays has games that don’t go well,’’ White Sox manager Robin Ventura said of Leesman’s outing on Thursday. Leesman’s spot start will allow the Pale Hose to give Hector Santiago some extra rest.

Leesman pitched well in a spot start for the Sox earlier this season and has also fared pretty well at Triple-A, posting a 3.87 ERA over 16 starts. He’ll be used as a reliever for now but could be given a start or two down the stretch.

Leesman racked up an impressive eight strikeouts on the night, but also issued five free passes, leading to a pitch count of 113 through five innings of work. The 26-year-old southpaw will be headed back to Triple-A, but likely showed enough to earn another shot the next time the White Sox need another starter.