Returning to minors The Rangers optioned Leiter to Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday. Impact Because the Rangers and White Sox essentially played a doubleheader Wednesday after Tuesday's series opener was suspended in the first inning, both teams were allotted a 27th man. Leiter was called up from Round Rock to serve as the Rangers' 27th man, and he drew the start for the second contest of the day, working four innings and allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits and no walks while striking out four in a no-decision. Though he'll be headed back to Round Rock a day later, the Rangers have only four healthy starters at the moment, so Leiter could be a candidate to get recalled when a fifth starter is next needed during the upcoming week. Leiter has struggled mightily through his first four big-league starts (12.83 ERA, 2.40 WHIP, 11:8 K:BB in 13.1 innings), but he recored 20 strikeouts over 9.1 innings in his most recent two starts at Triple-A to earn his latest call-up. The Rangers may want to get a longer look at the right-hander in the majors in September and give him the chance to stake a claim to a more permanent rotation spot in 2025.
AUGUST 29 • ROTOWIRE