The Texas Rangers are running out of reasons to feel good about Jack Leiter’s reset.
What was supposed to be a season where the former No. 2 overall pick took a real step forward has instead turned into a grind. Before the injury news even arrived, Leiter’s numbers were already rough: 15 starts, 80 innings, a 5.29 ERA, a .253 batting average against and 1.58 homers allowed per nine innings. There were a few bright moments mixed in, but not nearly enough to change the overall picture.
Then came the ankle issue, and with it, a possible explanation. Leiter had been pitching through the injury for much of the season before undergoing arthroscopic surgery in late June to remove loose bodies from his right ankle.
That opened the door to a fresh start on the rehab trail. So far, though, the results haven’t done much to ease concern.
Texas opened his assignment by giving him a chance to start again, but the plan appears to be shifting toward a bullpen role. That would fit a Rangers club that needs help in relief more than anywhere else. The catch is obvious: Leiter has to actually look like someone ready to help.
The early returns in Frisco and Round Rock have been shaky enough to make that a fair question.
Leiter’s first rehab outing in Round Rock came on August 13, when he worked 2 2/3 scoreless innings, struck out three, and allowed one hit and one walk. That was the encouraging version. Since then, the picture has darkened.
On August 20 in Frisco, he was tagged for four earned runs over three innings, while striking out five. He also issued two walks and allowed a homer, a line that looked a lot like the same trouble he was having before the ankle surgery.
Then came Wednesday night in Round Rock, and the bullpen look didn’t bring the lift Texas was hoping for. Leiter gave up three runs in one inning, throwing 34 pitches in the process.
Jack Leiter allowed three runs Wednesday night during a relief appearance for Round Rock. One inning, 34 pitches. Not sure if that will convince #Rangers to activate him.
- Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilsonTXR) August 27, 2026
That outing pushed his rehab ERA to 9.45, and now the Rangers are left sorting through an uncomfortable question: bring him back now, or send him out for one more minor league appearance?
The concern isn’t just the numbers. It’s that the same problems keep showing up, which raises the possibility that the ankle never fully explained the struggles in the first place. And if Texas really is trying to convert a starter into a reliever on the fly, that adds another layer of uncertainty.
The Rangers need a jolt, and they need it soon. Their season is still alive in the division, but the margin keeps shrinking.
Leiter was supposed to be a possible spark. Right now, it’s hard to say the club should rush to make that move.
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