FILE PHOTO: Apr 19, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jon Gray (22) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the fourth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
“He’s been throwing the ball very well down there,” Texas manager Bruce Bochy said. “What a great time to call him up because he’s been throwing well, and again, he’s earned this.” “I told him when he left (spring training) that we’re going to need him and I loved the way he was throwing. I don’t think anybody thought we’d make the changes we’ve made already pretty early in the season. But still, (Leiter) really came on at the end and was throwing strikes, the command, all that. I’m looking forward to watching him.” Bochy was referring to some early-season injuries. Cody Bradford, who had won his first three starts, joined three other rotation members — Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer and Tyler Mahle — on the injured list.
Leiter, the son of former major league All-Star Al Leiter, joined the Rangers for a $7.9 million signing bonus after dominating in college at Vanderbilt. However, he didn’t exactly cruise through the minors. The 23-year-old right-hander posted a 3-10 record and a 5.54 ERA in 23 appearances (22 starts) for Double-A Frisco in 2022. He went a combined 2-6 with a 5.19 ERA in 20 starts last season, mostly at the Double-A level. “I had some shaky starts (at Vanderbilt) obviously, it’s pitching, but nothing like what I went through my first two years in the minor leagues,” Leiter said, per the Dallas Morning News.
