Rangers' Jack Leiter looked all grown up in impressive 2026 debut vs. Orioles

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jack Leiter delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Monday, March 30, 2026, in Baltimore. (Stephanie Scarbrough/AP Photo) BALTIMORE — We know the whole idea of the Rangers as a strong pitching organization is still a relatively new concept around here. So, as a public service, we’d like to provide you with this handy guide to help recognize when a young pitcher has developed into a full-grown starter.

No. 1: When faced with a problem on the mound, the pitcher doesn’t necessarily have to look to the dugout or behind home plate for solutions, he just kinda solves them. Kinda like Jack Leiter did in his first 2026 start.

Early in an eventual 5-2 win over Baltimore on Monday , Leiter might have been a little excited about his first start of the year. Might have been exaggerating some mechanical components in his delivery. Might have led to a delivery that was a little off balance.

It did lead to falling behind Baltimore hitters, then having to throw fastballs to a team that was hunting them like they were wittle wabbits. So, what did Leiter do? He simply diagnosed the problem, slowed himself down, got out of a sketchy first inning and then recentered.