"My dad, my uncle, both played for the Yankees" - Mark Leiter Jr. continues family legacy with victory over PhilliesÂ
Mark Leiter Jr. spoke about how he continued a family tradition by debuting for the New York Yankees in their recent win against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Florida native was traded to New York from the Chicago Cubs in a deal that sent pitching prospect Jack Neely and infielder Ben Cowles the other way.
Having learned of his trade that day, Leiter Jr. arrived at Citizens Bank Park after the game had begun. Aaron Boone wasted no time in putting his newest acquisition on the mound, sending Mark to the bump in the 10th inning with the Phillies threatening. Leiter Jr. was up for the challenge, though, as he kept the Yankees in the game, which they eventually won 7-6 in the 12th.
Speaking to YES Network following his successful debut, a happy Leiter Jr. said (0:11):
"Really happy to see us get a win and get to celebrate with the team. It's easy to get to know the guys when you win."
When asked about his reaction to the trade, Mark said (0:56):
"I was excited, I was really excited. I feel like this is a really, really good team and I was excited to be a part of it and help contribute to winning baseball. Getting to come to this team was something I was really excited about."
Finally, Leiter Jr. talked about how donning the famous pinstripes represented the continuation of his family legacy (1:40).
"My dad and my uncle both played for the Yankees coming up, it's pretty cool, now all 3 of us have played here, and it's a great legacy for my family. To get a chance to put on the pinstripes is pretty awesome."
What Mark Leiter Jr. brings to the Yankees
The Yankees have been searching for a late-innings strikeout specialist to bolster their bullpen, and they might have found their ace in the form of Mark Leiter Jr. The former Cubs standout is currently signed to a $2.4 million, one-year deal, and will become a free agent this offseason.
The right-handed bullpen ace has struck out 53 batters this season and has a 36.7% whiff rate and 34.9% strikeout rate. Overall, he is tied for 12th place among all MLB relievers who have pitched at least 30 innings. After last night's performance, he has kept the opposition from scoring in the last 8.2 innings he has pitched.
The trade to acquire Leiter Jr. provides quick help to a struggling Yankees bullpen that has been leaking runs of late - the club now ranks 22nd in total ERA since the beginning of June. Yankees All-Star Clay Holmes has had a tough stretch recently while allowing six runs in his last 13 mound appearances.
Overwhelming favorites to win the World Series before a recent slump saw the Baltimore Orioles overtake them in the American League East standings, the Bronx Bombers hope their latest addition will strengthen their bullpen as they march into the playoffs.