Jack Leiter made his return to the Texas Rangers' starting rotation, but the outing ended in disappointment with a 3-2 loss to the San Francisco Giants. Despite not earning a decision, Leiter expressed a mixture of relief and frustration, feeling he could have performed better, particularly after a rocky 37-pitch first inning. However, he managed to regroup and pitch until the fourth inning without further damage, demonstrating resilience in his performance.
Leiter's ability to command his two-seam fastball was noted, especially after adjusting his grip to alleviate a finger irritation. The young pitcher struggled with his slider early on, leading to walks, despite having developed a usable changeup. This experience served as a valuable lesson for him: adapting mid-game is crucial for success on the mound. The Rangers' decision to option Gerson Garabito to Triple-A Round Rock to make room for Leiter reflects their confidence in his potential to contribute significantly moving forward.