Jack Leiter's recent performance has been a rollercoaster for the Texas Rangers. In the latest outing against the Kansas City Royals, he allowed six runs, including a season-high three home runs, contributing to a disappointing 6-1 loss. His fastball, which he threw nearly 40% of the time, became a liability as hitters connected solidly, indicating command issues both with his fastball and secondary pitches.

Leiter has displayed a distinct split in performance: when relying heavily on his fastball, his ERA balloons to 8.40, while a more varied approach yields a respectable 3.10. The Rangers have struggled offensively as well, striking out 14 times in the game and failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities. With two losses in their last nine games both starting with Leiter on the mound, the Rangers face a pressing dilemma on how to rein in their promising pitcher.

The Kansas City Royals (34-38) are set to face the Texas Rangers (36-36) in Arlington. The Rangers are riding a four-game winning streak, while the Royals struggle with six straight losses. Seth Lugo, boasting a 3.18 ERA, will pitch for Kansas City against Jack Leiter, who has a 3.88 ERA. The matchup is crucial for both teams as they aim to improve their standings. With both clubs coming off a travel day, they will be fresh and ready for the 8:05 PM EST first pitch at Globe Life Field.

The latest betting odds favor the Rangers at -125 on the moneyline, while the Royals sit at +105. The game's spread is set at Rangers -1.5, with the total runs projected at 8.0. Historical trends show that the Rangers have dominated the Royals at home, winning 13 of their last 15 encounters. Additionally, the Under has been a trend in their matchups this season, with a record of 46-23-1 combined for home and away games.

Jack Leiter of the Texas Rangers headlines this week's two-start pitchers, facing the lowly Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite a 3.88 ERA that suggests potential for regression, his matchup against the 29th and 30th ranked offenses offers a chance for solid fantasy returns.

Next, Mick Abel of the Philadelphia Phillies presents a mixed bag with a commendable 2.35 ERA but a recent rough outing against the Cubs. He faces the Miami Marlins and New York Mets this week, making him a solid choice. Lance McCullers of the Houston Astros, while having control issues, has a favorable schedule against the Athletics and Angels.

Chad Patrick of the Brewers and Jake Irvin of the Nationals complete the list, with both having tough matchups but showing promise in strikeout potential. Hitting matchups are plentiful, particularly for those facing struggling pitching staffs like the Astros and Phillies against the Athletics and Marlins, respectively.

The Texas Rangers fell to the Minnesota Twins 6-2 in a frustrating game where luck seemed to favor their opponents. Starter Jack Leiter struggled, allowing four runs, including a massive 479-foot home run to Byron Buxton. The Rangers couldn't capitalize on opportunities, particularly when Evan Carter's potential second base steal was thwarted by a missed balk call. The game turned further when a ground ball led to additional runs for the Twins, leaving the Rangers to rue their missed chances.

The Twins showcased strong defensive plays, especially Buxton's incredible catch that robbed Marcus Semien of a hit. The Rangers' offense struggled to find a rhythm against a solid Twins pitching performance, as they only managed two runs despite having moments that could have changed the game's outcome.

Byron Buxton showcased his extraordinary power with a stunning home run for the Minnesota Twins, hitting one of the longest balls of the MLB season during a game against the Texas Rangers. With two runners on and a 2-2 count, Buxton launched a 90-mph slider from Jack Leiter into the stands, traveling an impressive 479 feet. This home run not only helped the Twins overturn a 2-0 deficit but also marked Buxton's 11th home run of the season, and he now has 41 RBIs in just 51 games.

Buxton's performance is indicative of his strong start to the season, as he maintains a .268 batting average with a .490 slugging percentage. This remarkable display of power places him second in home run distance this season, just behind Mike Trout’s 484-foot shot. His consistency at the plate is essential for the Twins as they seek to build momentum within the competitive AL Central.