Left-hander Brandon Leibrandt cleared outright waivers and elected free company, in accordance with his transaction log at MLB.com. Cincinnati had designated him for project on Monday as one of many corresponding strikes to reinstate Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Matt McLain from the injured checklist. The Reds additionally designated Amed Rosario on Monday; there’s no formal decision on his DFA however he’ll be a free agent as quickly because the World Collection ends so it’s irrelevant.
That wasn’t essentially the case for Leibrandt, who would’ve been below membership management if one other crew had claimed him. It all the time appeared doubtless he’d go unclaimed and return to the market searching for one other minor league deal. The 31-year-old cracked the roster as a depth arm on the finish of August. He pitched twice on the huge league stage, surrendering seven runs throughout 6 1/3 innings. Leibrandt’s solely different MLB expertise got here as a member of the Marlins throughout the pandemic season. He has allowed 9 runs over 15 1/3 profession frames, strolling 9 batters whereas placing out eight.
Leibrandt was pitching within the impartial ranks when the Reds signed him to a minor league deal in Might. He pitched fairly properly as an organizational depth starter with Triple-A Louisville. Leibrandt turned in a 4.41 ERA throughout 83 2/3 innings in a hitter-friendly surroundings. He struck out a league common 22.7% of batters confronted in opposition to a 6% stroll price. That would earn him one other minor league contract.