Rangers look to outduel Brewers with Jack Leiter in pivotal wild card clash
The Texas Rangers are set to continue their crucial three-game showdown against the Milwaukee Brewers at Globe Life Field on Tuesday evening. As the regular season winds down, the Rangers are in a fierce battle for the final American League wild card spot, currently held by the Seattle Mariners.
Rangers face a formidable opponent
The Brewers, boasting one of the most explosive lineups in Major League Baseball, are no easy task for Texas. The Rangers will counter with their emerging star, Jack Leiter, who has been a vital part of their rotation. With the pressure mounting, every game counts, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
How to watch the Rangers vs. Brewers
Fans eager to catch the action can tune in on Rangers Sports Network or Victory+ for Texas coverage, while Brewers supporters can follow along via FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m. CT, with radio broadcasts available on 105.3 The Fan and WTMJ 620.
Probable pitchers for Tuesday’s game
On the mound for Texas will be right-hander Jack Leiter, who has been steadily establishing himself as a reliable presence in the rotation. With a record of 9-8 and a 3.74 ERA, Leiter has shown promise, especially in his recent outings. Over his last seven games, he has posted a 2.80 ERA, striking out 43 batters while walking 17 in 35.1 innings. Despite a setback in his last start against Arizona on September 3, where he allowed two earned runs over six innings, his overall performance has been encouraging.
However, walks have been a recurring issue for Leiter throughout his career. This season alone, he has issued 62 walks in 127.2 innings, meaning he averages one walk every two innings. On a brighter note, opponents are hitting just .216 against him, a significant improvement from the .297 batting average they managed last year.
The Brewers’ starting pitcher for Tuesday remains unconfirmed, following Jose Quintana’s appearance on Monday. Freddy Peralta, typically a starter, is set to pitch in Wednesday’s finale, leaving the door open for a potential bullpen game on Tuesday.
Injury updates for the Rangers
The Rangers will be navigating a challenging injury landscape as they strive for victory. Key players currently on the injured list include:
Dylan Coulombe, LHP: On the 15-day IL with left shoulder fatigue, expected to start a rehab assignment soon.
Nathan Eovaldi, RHP: Dealing with a right rotator cuff strain and expected to miss the remainder of the season.
Adolis Garcia, OF: Recovering from a left quad strain, with hopes of returning for the series against the Houston Astros.
Corey Seager, SS: Out following an appendectomy, but could be cleared to play by the next home series against the Miami Marlins.
Marcus Semien, 2B: On the 10-day IL with a foot fracture, requiring several weeks for recovery.
Sam Haggerty, OF: Expected to begin a rehab assignment soon due to left ankle inflammation.
Additionally, the Rangers have several players on the 60-day IL, including Evan Carter, who suffered a wrist fracture, and Jon Gray, sidelined for the season with shoulder nerve irritation.
As the Rangers gear up for this pivotal matchup, the spotlight will be on Leiter to deliver a strong performance against a Brewers team that poses a significant challenge. Every pitch matters as Texas aims to keep their postseason hopes alive.
