Texas Rangers right-hander Jack Leiter (finger) threw a 35-pitch bullpen session on Tuesday with no issues or adverse affects on his blister, according to the Dallas Morning News' Evan Grant. Leiter is on the 15-day injured list but might be ready to return to Texas' starting rotation when he's eligible to return on April 17. The 24-year-old former second overall pick in 2021 out of Vanderbilt was very inconsistent and was hit very hard in his MLB debut for the Rangers last year, but he looked like a different pitcher in spring training and carried it over into his first two starts of the 2025 season, allowing just one earned run while walking one and striking out 10 in 10 innings before dealing with a blister issue that was considered minor. Leiter could keep the good results rolling once he returns from the IL, making him stash-worthy in most fantasy leagues.
Jack Leiter Placed On Injured List, Patrick Corbin Promoted
The Texas Rangers have placed starting pitching prospect Jack Leiter (finger) on the 15-day injured list due to a blister. In a corresponding move, the Rangers promoted veteran left-handed pitcher Patrick Corbin from Triple-A Round Rock. Leiter was able to earn a spot in the starting rotation out of camp. After struggling during his first taste of the big leagues last summer, Leiter was able to start turning the corner in 2025. Across his first two outings, the former second overall pick logged 10 innings of one-run ball. He allowed six hits and held a stellar 1:10 BB:K. Fantasy managers should continue to stash Leiter on an injured reserve spot on their roster as Leiter should rejoin the rotation once cleared to return. Corbin will likely earn a temporary spot in the rotation but should not be targeted in any formats as he held a high 5.62 ERA across 174 2/3 innings last season.
Rangers Considering Placing Jack Leiter On The Injured List
Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said that the team is monitoring right-hander Jack Leiter's (finger) blister issue. It's not a big concern, but the Rangers are considering placing him on the injured list to allow it to calm down. If Leiter goes on the IL, left-hander Patrick Corbin would make his debut in Leiter's rotation spot. The 24-year-old exited his second start of the season on Wednesday versus the Cincinnati Reds with a blister issue on his finger, even though he threw five shutout innings with six strikeouts while allowing just one hit. Landing on the IL, even though it's not a serious injury by any means, would be a bummer considering how well Leiter has pitched in his first two starts. In 10 innings pitched, he's allowed just one earned run on six hits while walking one and striking out 10. It's a big improvement after he held an 8.83 ERA and 1.71 WHIP in his first nine MLB outings (six starts) in 2024.
Jack Leiter Removed From Wednesday's Start With A Blister
Texas Rangers starting pitching prospect Jack Leiter (hand) was removed early from his start on Wednesday due to a blister on his throwing hand. Kenndi Landry of MLB.com reported that his removal was precautionary. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, but it does not appear the Vanderbilt product will be in danger of missing his next start. Before exiting the contest, Leiter was enjoying the best start of his MLB career. The right-hander tossed five shutout innings against the Cincinnati Reds. He allowed just one hit and struck out six batters. In his first start of the campaign, the former No. 2 overall pick tossed five innings of one-run ball against the Boston Red Sox. After struggling during his first taste of the major leagues last summer, it appears Leiter has begun to turn the corner. He is scheduled to face the Chicago Cubs in his next start.
Texas Rangers starting pitching prospect Jack Leiter tossed five innings of one-run ball en route to earning the victory on Friday evening against the Boston Red Sox. Leiter tallied four punchouts and allowed five hits. His lone run allowed came in the fourth inning when outfielder Wilyer Abreu hit an RBI single. This was a strong outing for the former No. 2 overall pick. Last summer, Leiter made his MLB debut and did not find much success as he posted an 8.83 ERA with a 1.71 WHIP across 35 2/3 innings. He tallied 31 strikeouts and served up walks at a high 9.8 percent rate. However, even though his control was an issue in the minor leagues, Leiter flashed elite strikeout upside. At Triple-A, he tossed 77 innings and tallied 110 punchouts. He will look to build off this promising outing on Wednesday against the Cincinnati Reds.
Jack Leiter To Make First Start On Friday Versus Red Sox
Texas Rangers right-hander Jack Leiter is listed as the team's probable starter for Friday's game against the Boston Red Sox. Right-hander Nathan Eovaldi gets the Opening Day nod on Thursday, while right-hander Tyler Mahle is scheduled to go on Saturday. Right-hander Jacob deGrom will close out the four-game series against Boston on Sunday. Injuries to lefty Cody Bradford (elbow) and righty Jon Gray (wrist) opened spots in Texas' Opening Day starting rotation for both Leiter and former Vanderbilt teammate Kumar Rocker. Leiter, 24, did not fare well in his first nine big-league outings (six starts) in 2024 -- 8.83 ERA and 1.71 WHIP -- but he showed improved velocity this spring and fanned 21 hitters in 20 2/3 Cactus League innings. If he can make improvements from a year ago, Leiter will be a nice sleeper play in deep-mixed fantasy leagues.
Texas Rangers starting pitching prospect Jack Leiter has earned a spot in the starting rotation. The former No. 2 overall selection made his MLB debut last summer and will look to take the next step in his development. During his first 35 2/3 innings in the majors, the Vanderbilt product posted a high 8.83 ERA with a 1.71 WHIP. He tallied 31 punchouts and allowed walks at a high 9.8 percent rate. During spring training, Leiter tossed 20 2/3 innings to the tune of a 3.48 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP. He tallied 21 punchouts and served up 10 free passes. While he has struggled to command his pitches, the right-hander has flashed elite strikeout upside. Last season, Leiter tallied an impressive 110 punchouts across just 77 innings of work at the Triple-A level. He is worth taking a flyer on in deeper formats due to his elite swing-and-miss potential.
Texas Rangers starting pitching prospect Jack Leiter tossed four innings during his start on Sunday. Leiter allowed two earned runs with four hits and three walks. He struck out four batters. Leiter continues to struggle with his control but was able to fight through this outing by only allowing two runs. With Cody Bradford (elbow) and Jon Gray (wrist) expected to miss the start of the season, Leiter is competing for one of the final spots in the rotation. Through 14 2/3 total innings this spring, the former second-overall pick has held a 3.07 ERA with a 1.36 WHIP. He tallied 17 strikeouts and has served up nine free passes. The right-hander made his MLB debut last season and posted an 8.83 ERA with a 1.71 WHIP across 35 2/3 innings. Leiter has flashed elite strikeout upside but has struggled to find consistent results. If he does earn a spot in the Opening Day rotation, he is worth taking a late flier on in deeper formats.
Jack Leiter, Kumar Rocker Competing For Final Rotation Spot
Texas Rangers right-handed pitching prospects Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker, who were teammates at Vanderbilt, are both competing for the open spot in the starting rotation now that it's confirmed that left-hander Cody Bradford (elbow) will open the year on the injured list. If we had to bet, Leiter would be the favorite -- not only because he's looked better this spring, but because he has more big-league experience. The 24-year-old has shown increased velocity in camp and has allowed only three runs on seven hits while walking six and striking out 13 in four games (one start) covering 10 2/3 innings. Although he had an ERA over 8.00 and a 1.71 WHIP, Leiter pitched in nine games (six starts) in the big leagues in 2024. Rocker, meanwhile, made three starts last year but has allowed eight earned runs while walking two and striking out only two in just two Cactus League innings in his two starts.
Texas Rangers starting pitching prospect Jack Leiter struggled with his command on Tuesday afternoon. Leiter served up five free passes across two 2/3 innings. However, he only allowed one hit and one earned run and tallied five punchouts. Leiter was a late addition to the starting lineup as Tyler Mahle (forearm) was scratched with tightness. However, before this showing, Leiter was enjoying a strong start to spring training. Entering Tuesday, the right-hander served up just one free pass. The former second overall selection in the 2021 MLB Draft made his MLB debut last season but struggled as he held a high 8.83 ERA with a 1.71 WHIP across 35 2/3 innings. At Triple-A, Leiter posted a 3.51 ERA with a 1.26 WHIP with 110 strikeouts across 77 innings. He will likely open the season at Triple-A but could push for an early return to the majors.