Lienhard (pronounced LIN-hard) enters his second professional season after an impressive rookie campaign in 2019. After going undrafted following four seasons at Oklahoma State, Lienhard signed with the Atlantic League’s Sugar Land Skeeters. The right-hander’s contract was purchased by the Kansas City Royals after just five appearances with the Skeeters, including one start. Kansas City assigned Lienhard to Rookie-level Idaho Falls, and the 23-year old responded with excellent numbers, fashioning a 2.88 ERA in 13 games out of the bullpen. Over 25.0 innings of work, he struck out 24 while walking just nine.

The native of Wichita, Kansas was a durable and consistent force during his four seasons at Oklahoma State, leaving the program seventh all time with 76 appearances (32 starts). Lienhard finished his Cowboy career with a 13-7 record and 4.69 ERA over 207.1 innings of work, helping Oklahoma State to a College World Series appearance in 2016 and a Super Regional in 2019. The 6’5, 235-pounder delivered a number of clutch performances during his time as a collegian, most notably a six-inning, one-run outing against UConn in his final career start to send Oklahoma State to the Super Regionals.

Lienhard’s father, Steve, also pitched at Oklahoma State and played in the minor leagues for six seasons.