Jack Leiter Sparks Rangers as Pivotal Showdown with Astros Approaches
The Texas Rangers are gearing up for a crucial three-game series against the Houston Astros, a matchup that carries significant weight in the playoff race. With the stakes at an all-time high, the Rangers have strategically aligned their top three starting pitchers to take the mound this week, setting the stage for an electrifying clash in Houston.
Rangers’ Recent Momentum
The Rangers (79-71) are riding a wave of momentum, having taken two out of three from the New York Mets in their last series. Even after a loss on Sunday, they have managed to secure six victories in their last seven games and 15 wins in their last 21 outings. This current form is critical as they prepare for the Astros, with all three games slated to begin at 7:10 p.m. Central at Daikin Park. Following this pivotal series, Texas will return home to host the Miami Marlins, marking the start of their final homestand of the season.
Monday: Jack Leiter Takes the Helm
Leading the charge on Monday is Jack Leiter, the right-hander who has been making a name for himself as a potential ace for the Rangers, despite the looming presence of Jacob deGrom and the sidelined Nathan Eovaldi. While his last outing against the Brewers was challenging—spanning 4.2 innings with seven hits and three earned runs—Leiter has shown remarkable consistency over his last seven starts, posting a 2-2 record with a 3.03 ERA. His ability to provide length and stability on the mound is crucial as Texas eyes a playoff berth.
Tuesday: Merrill Kelly’s Steady Performance
On Tuesday, the Rangers will turn to Merrill Kelly, another right-hander who has proven to be a valuable asset since his trade deadline acquisition. With a 12-7 record and a 3.21 ERA, Kelly won his last start against Milwaukee, where he managed to limit the damage despite allowing 10 hits in 5.2 innings. Since joining Texas, he has posted a 3-1 record with a 3.19 ERA over eight starts, showcasing his ability to miss bats with 41 strikeouts against just nine walks. Batters are hitting .232 against him, a slight uptick from the .206 he allowed while with Arizona, yet still indicative of his effectiveness.
Wednesday: The Return of Jacob deGrom
Concluding the series on Wednesday is Jacob deGrom, who will pitch on regular rest after facing off against his former team, the New York Mets. With a 12-7 record and a 2.82 ERA, deGrom delivered a strong performance in his last outing, allowing four hits and three earned runs over seven innings. Although he has struggled somewhat since the All-Star break with a 2-4 record and a 3.69 ERA in 39 innings, he remains a pivotal figure for Texas. The key for deGrom will be to avoid the long ball, as he looks to reclaim his dominance on the mound.
As the Rangers prepare for this critical series against the Astros, the focus will be on leveraging their strong pitching rotation to maintain their playoff aspirations. With the potential for fireworks in a high-stakes environment, all eyes will be on Texas as they aim to solidify their position in the postseason race.
