Rangers' Leiter Begins Rehab, Pitching Staff Faces Uncertainty

Texas Rangers pitcher Jack Leiter is scheduled to make his first minor league rehabilitation start for Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday evening, following a two-month absence due to ankle surgery. Manager Skip Schumaker suggested that Leiter will likely need at least one additional minor league start before being considered for a return to the major league club. The team has not yet determined Leiter's role, whether as a starter or in relief, as they assess their pitching needs. Schumaker emphasized the team's focus on having their healthiest players available for the "sprint" to the end of the season.

Several other key players are also on the injured list. Right-handed pitcher Nathan Eovaldi is managing posterior elbow inflammation and is still working on achieving full arm extension. Left-handed pitcher Robert Garcia is nearing a return to mound activity after being sidelined for nearly four months with shoulder inflammation. Infielder Josh Jung has been out for three weeks with a calf strain and has not yet resumed baseball activities, indicating a longer absence than initially anticipated. Catcher Kyle Higashioka, sidelined since July 21, has begun a throwing program after further imaging on his right flexor strain. Catcher Danny Jansen successfully caught five innings in a rehabilitation game on Tuesday, reporting no ill effects from the outing.