WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

2010
R:  0-1-0, 2.78 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 22.2 IP, 2.0 BB/9, 6.0 K/9 

Posted a good ERA in the GCL, but with weak peripheral numbers aside from a low walk rate.  His K rate was low and he had more hits allowed than innings pitched.

2011
A-:  1-1-0, 4.26 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 31.2 IP, 4.0 BB/9, 4.3 K/9 

Pitching out of the State College bullpen, Kleis had less success.  Opponents hit .288 against him and he fanned barely more than he walked.  He did get much better results from the beginning of August on, with an ERA of 1.80, but he fanned only three in 15 innings in that time.

2012
R:  0-0-0, 3.86 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 4.2 IP, 1.9 BB/9, 1.9 K/9
A-:  1-0-0, 3.65 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 12.1 IP, 4.4 BB/9, 7.3 K/9

Kleis opened the season in extended spring training and wasn’t ready to pitch until mid-July.  After a few games in the GCL he moved up to State College, where he pitched decently.  His velocity improved to the 91-94 range.

2013
A-:  1-1-2, 3.77 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 14.1 IP, 1.9 BB/9, 5.0 K/9

Kleis opened in the Jamestown bullpen.  He went on the disabled list in mid-July, missed over a month, came back for two games and went on the DL again.  He pitched reasonably well in the limited chances he had, except for a low K rate.

Kleis’ career so far has been a battle to stay on the mound.  After four years, he still hasn’t thrown 90 total innings.  It’s not possible to judge his progress yet due to the lack of playing time.  Hopefully, he’ll stay healthy next year and get a chance at West Virginia.