The Rangers optioned Leiter to Triple-A Round Rock on Friday.
Leiter's first season in the majors is in the books following Friday's transaction. He appeared in nine games (six starts) for the Rangers this season, posting an 0-3 record with an 8.83 ERA, 1.71 WHIP and 31:17 K:BB across 35.2 innings. Most of his time this year was spent in Triple-A, where over 18 outings (16 starts) he registered a 6-4 record with a 3.51 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 110:35 K:BB over 77 innings.
Leiter appeared out of the bullpen in Saturday's 5-4 loss to the Mariners, taking a no-decision while striking out six batters and allowing two earned runs on three hits and two walks over four innings.
After starting in each of his prior six appearances with the Rangers on the season, Leiter shifted to the bullpen Saturday while Max Scherzer (shoulder) made his return from the 15-day injured list. Since Scherzer wasn't fully stretched out after making just one rehab start prior to his activation, the Rangers ended up deploying him in tandem with Leiter, with both pitchers covering four innings and tossing 73 and 71 pitches, respectively. Scherzer and Jacob deGrom -- who returned from the IL on Friday -- should have longer leashes in their next outings this upcoming weekend versus Seattle, so Leiter may not be asked to piggyback either pitcher and may instead work in a more flexible relief role.
Rangers' Jack Leiter: Racks up 20 whiffs in no-decision
Rotowire
Leiter allowed three runs on two hits and two walks while striking out six batters over five innings in a no-decision against the Angels on Saturday.
Leiter had a rough first inning, serving up a leadoff homer to Taylor Ward and allowing an additional run in the frame. However, he bounced back from there, keeping Los Angeles scoreless while allowing just one hit over his remaining four innings. Leiter retired 11 of the final 13 batters he faced and racked up an impressive 20 swinging strikes overall -- per Jared Sandler of 105.3 The FAN, that's the most whiffs ever in a single game by a Rangers pitcher age 25 or younger. The rookie right-hander has yet to earn his first major-league win and owns a 10.41 ERA through six starts, but he's shown improvement over his last two outings.
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Rangers' Jack Leiter: Sticking around in rotation
Rotowire
Leiter is scheduled to start Saturday's game against the Angels in Arlington.
Though he could end up being squeezed out of the rotation once both Jacob deGrom (elbow) and Max Scherzer (shoulder) return from the injured list, Leiter will retain a starting role for now. The rookie had been pitching well at Triple-A Round Rock since the All-Star break, but he's yet to find much success through his first five big-league outings. He'll carry an 11.78 ERA and 2.13 WHIP into Saturday's start.
