Leary's debut in the major leagues came with the Mets in 1981. However, his early career was hampered by injuries, including a significant elbow injury that limited his appearances. Despite these setbacks, he persevered and continued to work on his game. His time with the Mets was a period of learning and adjustment, as he sought to establish himself in the competitive world of professional baseball.
In 1984, Leary was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers, where he spent a brief period before being traded again to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1985. It was with the Dodgers that Leary found a more stable footing. The 1988 season proved to be a turning point for him. That year, he played a crucial role in the Dodgers' rotation, posting a 17-11 record with a 2.91 ERA. His performance helped the Dodgers secure a spot in the postseason, and they eventually went on to win the World Series. Leary's efforts during the regular season earned him the National League Comeback Player of the Year award.
Following his success with the Dodgers, Leary continued his career with several other teams. In 1990, he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, where he contributed to their pitching staff. His tenure with the Reds was followed by stints with the New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, and Texas Rangers. Throughout these years, Leary demonstrated adaptability, adjusting to different teams and roles as needed.
Leary's career was characterized by his ability to overcome challenges and maintain his presence in the league.
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