Jack Leiter Showing Increased Velocity
Jack Leiter, the second overall pick in 2021, had an extra two mph on his four-seam fastball when he arrived to spring training this year, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. Leiter sat at 98 mph and touched 100 mph in his first Cactus League outing. The former Vanderbilt star's fastball was demolished in his first taste of the big leagues in 2024, but evaluators see his extra velocity this year as a potential game-changer since the pitch has well-above-average vertical break. Leiter is also getting plenty of depth on his new kick changeup. There's no guarantee that he'll break camp in Texas' Opening Day starting rotation, but the improvements that Leiter has made could help him bounce back considerably in his second major-league season whenever he gets his chance. There's opportunity for fantasy managers here after Leiter had a rough 8.83 ERA and 1.71 WHIP in his first nine outings a year ago.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Texas Rangers right-hander Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Jack Leiter Sharp In Rehab Outing On Tuesday
Jack Leiter (finger) tossed 4 1/3 shutout innings in his rehab outing on Tuesday against Triple-A Las Vegas. Leiter allowed just one hit and one walk. He struck out four. The former second overall pick has been on the injured list due to a blister since his start on April 2. However, given his strong rehab outing, he could be in line to return to Texas before the end of the week. Before his injury, Leiter was enjoying a strong start to the season and had logged 10 innings of one-run ball with a stellar 10:1 K:BB. This was a great sign, as the Vanderbilt product has struggled with his command throughout his minor-league career and during his first MLB stint last season. In 2024, Leiter made his MLB debut but held an 8.83 ERA with a 1.71 WHIP. Given his progress this season, he should be viewed as a solid option in all formats when he is activated off the injured list.
Source: MiLB.com
Texas Rangers pitching prospect Source: MiLB.com
Jack Leiter To Make Rehab Start On Tuesday
Jack Leiter (finger) will make a rehab start for Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday. Leiter has been on the 15-day injured list due to a blister on his finger. However, it appears the former No. 2 overall pick is nearing a return to the big leagues. The Vanderbilt was able to earn a spot in the Opening Day rotation and enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, holding a 0.90 ERA and a 0.70 WHIP across 10 innings of work (two starts). During this stretch, he tallied 10 punchouts and served up just one walk. Last summer, Leiter made his MLB debut and experienced some growing pains, posting an 8.83 ERA and a 1.73 WHIP. If Leiter's rehab outing goes well, he could be eligible to return to action at the end of next week.
Source: Jeff Wilson
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Source: Jeff Wilson
Jack Leiter Could Make Rehab Start This Week
Jack Leiter (finger) could make a rehab appearance with Triple-A Round Rock on either Wednesday or Thursday. Leiter threw a 35-pitch bullpen session on Sunday and appears to be nearing his return to game action. The former second overall pick was placed on the 15-day injured list following his start on April 2 due to a blister. Leiter was able to win a spot in the starting rotation out of spring training and performed quite well during his first two starts, posting a stellar 0.90 ERA with a 0.70 WHIP across 10 innings of work. He struck out 10 batters and served up just one free pass with six hits. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status during his rehab outing, as he could be cleared to return to the big leagues next week. He should be started in all formats when he returns, given his strong start to the season.
Source: MLB.com
Texas Rangers pitching prospect Source: MLB.com
Jack Leiter Throws Bullpen On Tuesday
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.
Source: Dallas Morning News - Evan Grant
Texas Rangers right-hander Source: Dallas Morning News - Evan Grant
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