Jack Leiter continued his comeback Thursday night by making his second rehabilitation start with Double-A Frisco as he works his way back from ankle surgery.
The 26-year-old underwent arthroscopic surgery on June 23 to remove a loose body from his right ankle after posting a 5.29 ERA over 15 starts for the Texas Rangers earlier this season.
Leiter showed promising flashes but struggled as his outing progressed. He recorded five strikeouts over just three-plus innings while allowing five runs, four of them earned, on three hits and two walks.
He threw 59 pitches, including 38 strikes, and was particularly effective during the opening two innings before an error in the third inning helped lead to a four-run inning for Wichita.
The Rangers have not yet discussed a specific plan for Leiter to return directly to the major-league rotation, although the organization had considered using him as a reliever during the final stretch of the season.
That possibility has become less likely after Nathan Eovaldi was placed on the injured list with elbow inflammation, creating another need in the starting rotation.
Leiter could still make another rehabilitation start before returning to the Rangers, depending on how his ankle responds and how his recovery progresses.
The young right-hander has emphasized taking the process slowly and following the medical and development plan provided by the team as he works toward regaining full strength.
Texas was recently moving closer to having a healthy rotation after Cody Bradford and Jordan Montgomery returned from injuries, but Eovaldi’s setback has once again created uncertainty.
Whenever Leiter is ready to return, whether as a starter or out of the bullpen, his presence should give the Rangers another important pitching option for the stretch run.
