Jack Leiter’s second rehab appearance was far from perfect, but the outing is complete and the must determine what comes next for the right-hander.
Leiter made his second start for Double-A Frisco on Thursday, throwing 59 pitches (38 strikes). He allowed five runs (four earned) on three hits and two walks while striking out five in three innings.
The 26-year-old looked sharp through his first two innings before encountering significant trouble in the third. He returned for the fourth but walked the leadoff hitter before being removed.
The road back
Leiter told Kennedi Landry from that there have been no conversations about extending his rehab assignment. However, considering his current pitch count, another appearance would hardly be surprising.He is working back from arthroscopic surgery on June 23 to remove a loose body from his right ankle.
Rangers manager Skip Schumaker typically reviews video from every rehabilitation appearance and watched Leiter’s latest start. He also spoke with the pitcher Friday.
According to Evan Grant from , Schumaker said Leiter described the outing with one word: grindy.
Texas now has several factors to consider before deciding his next step.
Schumaker indicated that Leiter’s upcoming bullpen session could be particularly important. The Rangers manager wants to evaluate how Leiter looks in a couple of days before determining the plan.
One encouraging sign was Leiter reaching 100 mph with his fastball.
“I want to see what the bullpen kind of looks like in a couple of days and then we’ll figure out where to go,” Schumaker said.
The larger question involves how completely he has been stretched out.
Leiter threw 33 pitches during live batting practice two weeks ago, increased that total to 48 in his first rehab appearance and reached 59 Thursday. MLB teams generally prefer starters to reach approximately 75 pitches before activation, leaving Leiter short of that threshold.
Texas nevertheless has alternatives.
The Rangers could activate Leiter as a long reliever for their next road trip. He could also work in tandem with another starter, providing multiple innings while helping protect the bullpen.
The other consideration is the quality of Thursday’s performance.
Leiter was sharp during his first rehab outing but experienced command problems in his second. Determining whether those issues resulted from deliberately working on his command or simply losing it will be important for Leiter and the coaching staff.
His upcoming bullpen session could provide Schumaker with the answer, while how heavily Texas uses its pitching staff this weekend could also influence the decision.
Leiter’s upside
Leiter’s qualities give the Rangers flexibility. His power fastball allows him to challenge hitters aggressively, while his ability to generate velocity after right ankle surgery is an encouraging indication of his physical recovery.He also brings experience as both a starter and a pitcher capable of handling difficult situations. That adaptability could become especially valuable if Texas initially needs him in a nontraditional role, like the one .
Leiter’s competitiveness should help him through the final stages of rehabilitation as well.
The Rangers do not simply need him back. They , properly built up and capable of contributing effectively when they decide his rehabilitation is complete.
