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Rangers expect to back Jose Leclerc away from closing for the time being, 'for his sake'

ARLINGTON -- Ah, another rite of spring for the Rangers: the traditional changing of the closers to celebrate the turning of the calendar from April to May.

It seems to happen every year.

Last year's star, Jose Leclerc, is now in temporary limbo.

Rangers manager Chris Woodward on Wednesday said he expects the team will remove Leclerc from the closer's role temporarily to give him a chance to catch his breath after a rough April that included a pair of blown saves and an 8.44 ERA. He also has been pulled from a pair of games with the outcome still in doubt.