Oakland: The preparation for a Major League debut is extensive. Having to perform on the greatest platform combined with all the attention, calls and texts from family and friends can be exhausting. The Show’s dazzling lights are exactly as significant as they appear to be. For Jack Leiter, though, things are already feeling more typical. After the Rangers lost 9-4 in Game 1, Texas’ No. 7-ranked prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, started his second big league game on Wednesday in the second part of a doubleheader against the A’s. Even while he didn’t play flawlessly in the 12-11 victory in Game 2, it was still a significant improvement from his debut two weeks prior. Leiter stated before to his debut, “Like every pitcher, it all comes down to trust.” “Just having faith that my efforts will be enough. Naturally, this won’t happen every day or for every attempt, but more often than not, you’ll set yourself up for failure when you try to take on more, try to do something you’re not very good at, or do something else. Thus, like I mentioned, I’m just going back to what I do well and having faith in it. Leiter gave up seven hits and six runs (four earned) on Wednesday. He was not helped by the Rangers’ usually strong defence, but his worst errors came from two two-run home runs by Tyler Soderstrom and Shea Langeliers. The first was a cutter that backed up over the plate, and the second was a four-seamer left over the middle of the plate. Deal for Grossman tackles Rangers’ issues against lefties Leiter remarked after the game, “I mean, results-wise, it was obviously a similar feeling walking out [as the debut].” It was annoying. It was much better because we won. All I wish I could have done was a little bit more to support the bullpen and the team. However, you take the good things, grow from them, and carry on. Leiter continued, saying he thought he did a better job of not trying to do too much in this start than in the previous one, but as a result, his pitches were a tad too hittable. He admitted, “I could have done a little bit better.” “But no, once more, I’m eager for the next chance and it’s really nice to win.” Leiter claimed that despite his second rocky start in the major leagues, he entered the game with a great deal of confidence that remained unwavering. Every time he takes the mound in an MLB game, he continues to learn from the experience and is aware of the things he needs to do to improve. He underlined that being a successful big league pitcher is a journey that takes time. It takes patience and self-belief in one’s own skills. After pitching two perfect innings in the victory, veteran reliever David Robertson remarked of the player, “He’s got the talent to be here.” If he didn’t, he wouldn’t be pitching and opening games for us right now. He performed admirably today. In the zone, he participated. He never went for walks. I don’t care if he gave up a couple of home runs. “Hey guys, you’re competing in the zone; you’re not just walking.” He’ll plan some enjoyable excursions for us. How much time will that take? I’m not sure. However, pay attention—he has something to offer here. I’m happy for him. I have high expectations for him. Following two unsuccessful seasons in the minor leagues, mostly with Double-A Frisco, Leiter has finally developed into the pitcher the Rangers selected with the second overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft. This season, in five games (four starts) with Triple-A Round Rock, he recorded a 2.84 ERA. Leiter is still a viable option at this point in the season, despite the Rangers’ rotation being severely weakened by injuries as Dane Dunning joined fellow starters Nathan Eovaldi, Max Scherzer, Jacob deGrom, Cody Bradford, and Tyler Mahle on the injured list. Jon Grey, Andrew Heaney, and Michael Lorenzen are the only Rangers starters who are fully fit. Reliever José Ureña, who started Tuesday’s game against the A’s, might possibly be added to the rotation. Leiter might decide to stay with the team for the foreseeable future. Leiter remarked, “Obviously, I haven’t had the two starts go my way; [that’s] frustrating.” “However, the Rangers are winning those two games, so that’s a plus despite the bad results and difficulties. The arrangement is the same. You go on to the next, picking up whatever knowledge you can along the way and realising that there isn’t a straight line leading directly to your destination. Baseball is played. Hopefully, I will pitch for a long enough period to feel this annoying sensation a hundred more times.
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