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It wasn't the major-league debut that Texas Rangers right-hander Jack Leiter was hoping for on Thursday in Detroit against the Tigers. The former second overall pick in 2021 out of Vanderbilt only made it through 3 2/3 frames in his first big-league start, surrendering seven earned runs on eight hits while walking three and striking out three. This one start won't define Leiter's first year in the majors or his career, but he wasn't missing many bats and gave up a lot of hard contact on the day. It remains to be seen if Leiter will get another turn through Texas' rotation after the disappointing performance, but if he does, it should come next week against the Seattle Mariners in a good matchup.
Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said that there isn't a firm number of rehab at-bats that first baseman Nathaniel Lowe (hamstring) needs, but said it could be "about 30, could be more." As of right now, Lowe has only had 16 at-bats on his minor-league rehab assignment for Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock, so the 28-year-old left-handed slugger may not necessarily be ready to return from the 10-day injured list to make his 2024 debut with the Rangers this weekend. Barring a setback, though, Lowe should be able to make his season debut with Texas at some point next week. When he returns, Lowe will be the team's regular first baseman, pushing Jared Walsh to a bench role. If he isn't already, Lowe should be rostered in all fantasy formats.
Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia is getting the day off on Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers in a day game following a night game. With Garcia out, rookie outfielder Wyatt Langford moves into the cleanup spot, while Ezequiel Duran is the designated hitter and is batting sixth against Tigers right-hander Casey Mize. Evan Carter is sliding over from left field to right field. Garcia has picked up right where he left off last postseason in the first 17 games of 2024, slashing .308/.370/.538 with a .908 OPS, four home runs, 15 RBI and four stolen bases in his first 73 plate appearances. He needs to be in all fantasy lineups on a daily basis when he's active. Langford has held his own so far in his first 60 MLB at-bats, but he's still searching for his first home run.
The Texas Rangers are promoting pitching prospect Jack Leiter to the big-league club to debut on Thursday versus the Detroit Tigers. The former first-round pick has had a nice season for Triple-A Round Rock with a 3.77 ERA in three games (two starts). He has been a strikeout artist on the farm with 25 of them in just 14 1/3 innings. It is unknown how long Leiter is expected to remain with the club, but he is worth looking into as a streamer against a Tigers offense that is the least bit intimidating. Leiter is worth a speculative add in most formats.
Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim will get a routine day off on Tuesday versus the Detroit Tigers. With the Rangers playing last night, Heim will get the afternoon to rest his knees. Heim has been off to a nice start this season with a .271 batting average to go along with two homers and 11 RBI as part of a strong Texas Rangers lineup. In place of Heim on Tuesday with be backup catcher Andrew Knizner. Knizner is hitless in 11 at-bats this season and can be avoided against Casey Mize and the Tigers. Heim should return to the lineup on Wednesday.