Leiter (1-0) earned the win Friday against the Red Sox, allowing one run on five hits and a walk while striking out four batters over five innings.
Analysis: After finishing last season with an 8.83 ERA and 1.71 WHIP over 35.2 innings, Leiter turned in the best start of his young MLB career Friday. The only damage done against the 24-year-old righty came on an RBI single off the bat of Wilyer Abreu in the fourth inning, but Leiter immediately got out of the jam by inducing a double play in the next at-bat. It's too early to tell if his strong outing is a sign of what's to come this year or just an outlier, but he certainly has plenty of momentum heading into his start next week in Cincinnati.
Jack Leiter Unfazed by batting practice mishap
Leiter was hit in the top of the head by a flyball during a batting practice Thursday, but he remains on track to start Friday against the Red Sox, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.
Analysis: Leiter was likely sent for testing after the mishap, but he quickly returned to the field and appears to be fine. The young right-hander earned a spot in the Rangers' rotation after posting a 3.48 ERA and 21:10 K:BB over 20.2 innings during Cactus League play.
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