Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jack Leiter (hand) will be activated off the injured list and rejoin the starting rotation on Sunday. The right-hander is scheduled to take the ball against the San Francisco Giants on Sunday. There was some speculation that Leiter would take the spot of Kumar Rocker (shoulder) and pitch on Monday. That doesn't appear to be the plan, so maybe Patrick Corbin gets moved into Rocker's spot for Monday's game. Regardless, Leiter is returning and will hopefully continue to pitch like he was before the injury. Leiter has thrown 10 innings, allowing six hits, one earned run, and recorded 10 strikeouts in two starts.

Texas Rangers pitching prospect 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.

Texas Rangers starting pitcher 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.

Texas Rangers pitching prospect 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Texas Rangers right-handed pitcher Jack Leiter tossed three shutout innings of relief on Thursday against the San Diego Padres. Leiter allowed two hits, no walks, and tallied three punchouts. Through eight innings of work in spring training, Leiter has held a 2.25 ERA with a stellar 0.88 WHIP. He has tallied eight punchouts and only served up one free pass. The former second overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft is competing for a spot in the starting rotation. Leiter 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. However, seeing the Vanderbilt product take a strong step forward in spring training is a positive sign. Through 80 1/3 innings at Triple-A, the right-hander has held a 3.70 ERA with a 1.33 WHIP and 114 strikeouts. If he continues to perform well in spring training, he could earn the final spot in the rotation over Kumar Rocker and Dane Dunning.

Texas Rangers right-hander 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.

MLB.com's Kennedi Landry projects both Texas Rangers rookie right-handers Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter will be on the outside looking in for starting rotation spots on Opening Day in 2025. As things currently stand with everyone healthy, the Rangers' rotation projects to be headlined by Jacob deGrom, followed by Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray, Cody Bradford and Tyler Mahle. Both Rocker and Leiter, who were also teammates at Vanderbilt in college, project to open the season at Triple-A Round Rock to provide rotation depth. Rocker, 25, returned from Tommy John surgery in 2024 to make his first three big-league starts, going 0-2 with a 3.86 ERA and 1.54 WHIP in 11 2/3 frames. Leiter, 24, made nine appearances (six starts) for the Rangers and was extremely inconsistent with an 8.83 ERA and 1.71 WHIP in 35 2/3 innings pitched.

Texas Rangers pitchers Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker were both optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Friday. As part of the move pitchers Marc Church and Daniel Robert were recalled from Triple-A Round Rock. The move was simply to preserve Leiter and Rocker's arms and give the Rangers a couple new arms to finish the season. Leiter pitched to an underwhelming 8.83 ERA with a 1.710 WHIP. Rocker recorded a 3.86 ERA in 11.2 IP, though his 1.543 WHIP suggests his ERA could have ended higher. Both Leiter and Rocker appear to be in the Rangers' plans for 2025, though dynasty managers will likely want to keep a closer eye on Rocker than Leiter. Church could be a solid option out of the Rangers' bullpen to finish the season and has impressed at Triple-A, recording a 3.22 ERA and a 9.7 K/9 in 22.1 IP. Robert previously appeared in three games for the Rangers in July, giving up only two ER in 4.2 IP.

Texas Rangers rookie starting pitcher Jack Leiter has been recalled from Triple-A Round Rock to take the ball against the New York Yankees on Monday. This is a quick turnaround for Leiter who also pitched last Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox. He allowed three runs (two earned) over four innings of work during that game. He'll face a much stronger lineup on Monday, so Leiter won't be a recommended streaming option for Monday's slate. The rookie right-hander holds a 12.83 ERA, 2.40 WHIP, and 11/8 K/BB ratio across four starts this season. There should be better streaming options available ahead of Monday's games.

The Texas Rangers have recalled right-handed pitching prospect Jack Leiter from Triple-A Round Rock in order to have him start on Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field, and they also "intend to give him some runway" in the rotation for the final month of the season in September. It makes sense with veteran Max Scherzer (shoulder) now looking unlikely to return, plus the Rangers aren't in the mix for a playoff spot. The 24-year-old Leiter, who is ranked as Texas' No. 4 prospect on MLB Pipeline, has been much better at Round Rock this year than he was in his first three big-league starts earlier in 2024. In those three starts, he surrendered 19 runs (17 earned) while walking six and fanning seven in just 9 1/3 innings. His matchup against Chicago doesn't get any better, but until Leiter shows better command in the majors, he'll be a shaky fantasy streaming option.