Mark Leiter, Jr. was the first Phillies pitcher we saw this year, starting the team’s exhibition game with the University of Tampa to kick off the spring training schedule. No one really ever put much stock into the 26-year-old after being drafted in the 22nd round of the 2013 draft. He was never on a top prospect list nor invited to spring training. However, he is finally starting to put his name on the map this year.
Leiter was called up to the majors early on to help relieve what was a heavily-taxed bullpen.