It seems like Jordan Leasure is fitting in well with the major leagues, but he still has some doubts about his place there. “I still have a bit of worry about performing to avoid being sent down,” he said. “But right now, that seems unlikely.”
Leasure has become an important pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, standing out even though the team is struggling. The 25-year-old right-hander has a 2.20 ERA and two saves in his first season in the big leagues.
The White Sox had a tough start to the season, losing 22 of their first 25 games. But they’ve been better lately, winning 9 out of 16 games since then. “Even when things were rough, we stayed positive,” Leasure said. “We knew it wouldn’t stay bad forever.”
Chicago got Leasure as part of their rebuilding process last year. They traded some experienced players to the Los Angeles Dodgers to bring him in, along with another young pitcher and an outfielder.
Korey Lee, who was also acquired in a trade last summer, has earned a significant role with the White Sox. The 25-year-old catcher has a batting average of .284 with four home runs and nine RBIs in 27 games.
Leasure throws a fastball that averages 96 mph, along with a slider and curveball. He has been particularly effective against left-handed batters, limiting them to a .179 batting average.
“With his talent, we knew he would achieve great things,” said White Sox reliever Dominic Leone. “But his calmness and ability to handle pressure make his future look even brighter.”
Leasure has been in excellent form recently. He has given up only one hit in 4 1/3 innings across four games this month, with three strikeouts and no walks.
“I feel confident with all my pitches and their movements,” he said. “My fastball velocity was a bit low at the start of the year, so I focused on improving my arm mechanics. Since then, my velocity has been increasing.”
