Inside The Rangers

Home Schooled! Jack Leiter's Disastrous Home Debut Puts Texas Rangers Ailing Rotation In Limbo

Texas Rangers top pitching prospect Jack Leiter was pulled after allowing six runs in the second inning to the Cleveland Guardians Tuesday night in his first start at Globe Life Field.

Stefan Stevenson

May 14, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jack Leiter (35) and Texas
May 14, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jack Leiter (35) and Texas / Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
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ARLINGTON — Jack Leiter made his third Major League start and first in front of the home Texas Rangers fans Tuesday night.

It did not go well.

The right-hander was hooked after recording five outs and trailing the Cleveland Guardians 6-0 at Globe Life Field.

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft struggled with his command during a scoreless first inning. He hit the leadoff batter, threw a wild pitch, and walked another batter during a 34-pitch opening frame in which the Guardians fouled off 14 pitches but only had one swing and miss.

In the second, Leiter again hit the leadoff batter and walked the second batter before Bo Naylor's two-run double gave Cleveland the lead. After a strikeout, Leiter walked Tyler Freeman at the top of the Guaridans lineup before Andrés Giménez's RBI single scored Naylor. With two outs, Josh Naylor's three-run homer on an 0-2, 95.6 mph four-seam fastball ended Leiter's night.

He threw 64 pitches, including 38 strikes. Leiter recorded five swings and misses and 19 foul balls. He was charged with six runs on three hits, three walks, and two hit batters. He struck out one.

Leiter made his MLB debut on April 18 against the Tigers in Detroit. He allowed seven runs on eight hits and three walks in 3.2 innings. In his second start last week in Oakland, he allowed six runs (four earned) on seven hits in four innings.

He'll likely be optioned back down to Triple-A Round Rock, where he has had much more success this season. Leiter has 37 strikeouts and eight walks with a 2.84 ERA in 25.1 innings with Round Rock in 2024.

The Rangers trailed 6-2 in the fourth after Adolis Garcia and Corey Seager hit solo homers in the second and third innings.

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Stefan Stevenson
STEFAN STEVENSON

Stefan Stevenson worked as a journalist and editor at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for 25 years, covering sports, concerts, and general news. His beats have included the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers, and Texas Christian University football.

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