Leake remains a free agent and doesn't plan on pitching to open the 2021 season, Dave Clark of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
The 33-year-old opted out of the 2020 campaign and became a free agent in October when the Diamondbacks declined his option for 2021. Leake reportedly turned down multiple offers, though it's unclear which teams were interested. The right-hander had a 4.29 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 127:27 K:BB over 197 innings between Arizona and Seattle during 2019, and he shouldn't have a problem latching on somewhere if or when he decides to retake the mound.
Leake's contract option was declined by the Diamondbacks on Wednesday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.
Leake was expected to compete for a spot in the rotation this year but opted out of the 2020 season amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The right-hander said that he looks forward to playing in 2021 during his age-33 season. Leake made 32 starts with the Mariners and Diamondbacks in 2019, recording a 4.29 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 197 innings.
Diamondbacks' Mike Leake: First player to opt out of 2020
Rotowire
Leake will opt out of participating in the 2020 season, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.
He was included on the initial version of the Diamondbacks' 60-man roster and would have been fighting for a rotation spot in July. While Leake is the first known player to opt out of playing this year, this shouldn't come as much of a surprise, as Leake has made just shy of $95 million in his career and there are obviously health risks involved with playing during a pandemic. Alex Young now appears to be Arizona's sixth starter in case one of the top five guys gets injured. Leake says he looks forward to playing in 2021. Arizona will either pay him $18 million next season for the final year of his contract or buy him out for $5 million.
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Diamondbacks' Mike Leake: Expected to be ready
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Leake (wrist) is expected to be ready to pitch when MLB resumes its season, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.
Leake, who fractured his left (non-throwing) wrist during the offseason, had been behind other starters in spring training. His final spring appearance was when he threw five innings just before MLB closed its doors due to the coronavirus pandemic. At the time, the Diamondbacks were being careful and had the right-hander throw from behind a screen in a "B" game. In March, Leake was considered a possibility to be ready for Opening Day, so he will almost certainly be ready to start in late July.
Leake (wrist) threw five innings in a "B" game Tuesday, Richard Morin and Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic report.
Leake, who is dealing with a fractured left (non-throwing) wrist, threw for the second time against live batters. It was under similar circumstances -- he threw from behind a screen and is not taking return throws from the catcher. Leake expects to be far enough along next week that he'll be able to take throws but is more worried about holding a bat. The mobility needed to manipulate a bat through a swing might be impacted. The right-hander still holds out hope of being on the Opening Day roster.
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Diamondbacks' Mike Leake: Another game on tap
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Leake (wrist) will throw in an intrasquad game Tuesday, Richard Morin of the Arizona Republic reports.
This will be the second game thrown by Leake, who is working his way back from a fractured left (non-throwing) wrist. He is scheduled to throw five innings from behind a screen after throwing four innings during a simulated game under identical circumstances Thursday. "We're excited about that, knowing he's keeping his arm in shape and getting his baseball mind around what his process is all about. He's in a good spot," manager Torey Lovullo said. The manager was not ready to say that Leake will pitch in a Cactus League game after Tuesday's game.
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Diamondbacks' Mike Leake: Throws sim game
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Leake (wrist) threw 68 pitches over four innings in a simulated game Thursday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.
Leake "struck out" five batters in a highly controlled situation, in which he threw from a behind a screen while still sporting a cast on his left (non-throwing) wrist. He'd only thrown bullpen sessions prior to Thursday, but the Diamondbacks wanted to get a look at the right-hander in an environment with batters.
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Diamondbacks' Mike Leake: Live BP looms
Rotowire
Leake (wrist) is scheduled to throw live batting practice Thursday, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.
Leake, who has a fractured left (non-throwing) wrist, has been throwing bullpens and simulated games with the assistance of a teammate to catch return throws. "That's going to be the next step," manager Torey Lovullo said. "He's going to get on the mound with some hitters in the box. I think we're going to put a screen out there to protect him a little bit." Leake has not yet been ruled out for Opening Day, but the manager earlier this spring hinted that the right-hander may open the regular season on the injured list.
