Rangers Prospect Jack Leiter Sharper in Second Outing

Jack Leiter put together a solid outing in his second start of the season with the Frisco RoughRiders on Wednesday in San Antonio.

Leiter, pitching for the Texas Rangers’ Double-A affiliate, didn’t make it out of the fifth inning of the game, but the RoughRiders ultimately won. He only allowed one run, which came in the fourth inning on an RBI single by San Antonio’s Evan Mendoza.

Leiter actually went as long as he did in his first start — 4 1/3 innings. But the one run allowed was an improvement over his first start.

Leiter also gave up four hits and walked four, while striking out seven. He threw 90 pitches, 48 for strikes.

Leiter was coming off a no-decision in his first start against Amarillo last Thursday, which was the RoughRiders’ season and home opener.

In that game, Leiter only gave up three hits. But he also allowed four runs, all earned, three walks and two home runs. He also had five strikeouts and threw 79 pitches, 44 for strikes.

Leiter is the Rangers’ No. 5 overall prospect, per MLB.com.

Leiter was the Rangers’ first-round pick in 2021 (No. 2 overall) and went 3-10 with a 5.54 ERA in 23 games (22 starts) at Frisco in his first professional season. He struck out 109 and walked 56 while opponents batted .246 against him. He played in the MLB Futures Game at Dodger Stadium last July.

His former Vanderbilt teammate, Kumar Rocker, made his minor-league debut on Tuesday at High Class-A Hickory.

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