Jack Leiter’s Debut Cut Short in Rangers Loss To Tigers

Much had been made of top Rangers prospect Jack Leiter’s impending MLB debut. The former No. 2 overall pick was expected to make an immediate impact on the Rangers rotation. However, his first career start did not go as planned, as he surrendered 7 runs and took the loss against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.

Jack Leiter got off to a strong start, striking out Tigers leadoff man Riley Greene with three straight fastballs to begin the game. But things unraveled quickly in the second inning as Detroit tagged him for 4 runs. Leiter struggled with his command and the Tigers capitalized by putting together string of hits.

Command Issues Plague Leiter

Command would continue to elude Leiter as the game progressed. He issued three walks total and had trouble keeping the ball down in the zone. This allowed Detroit to sit on his four-seam fastball, which they hammered for extra bases hits. By the fourth inning, Leiter ‘s night was done after surrendering 3 more runs and failing to retire a batter.

While not the debut he envisioned, Leiter believes he can learn from this experience. “Some pitches that I left on the table, and some mistakes that I made,” Leiter said. “I know I’m better than this and I will be better next time.” The Rangers will hope for better results from their prized pitching prospect in his next start.