Since his last appearance on July 7 with Double-A Frisco, former Texas Rangers first-round selection Jack Leiter has been conspicuously absent from professional games.

Surprisingly, Leiter’s journey toward the Majors took an unexpected detour that diverged from his usual presence at Double-A Frisco. Instead, his development came under scrutiny on the pitcher’s mound at Globe Life Field in Arlington, right in front of the Texas Rangers’ eyes. The former No. 2 pick of the 2021 draft engaged in a live batting practice session, facing off against infielder Brad Miller and catcher Austin Hedges.

This marked a significant step for Leiter, as it was the first instance of him pitching against a live batter since his outing on July 7. Unfortunately, that game had ended prematurely for him as he failed to complete the first inning, leading to his placement on the developmental list for further assessment.

Despite the acquisition of pitchers Max Scherzer and Jordan Montgomery, the Rangers are nurturing Leiter’s growth. The team’s long-term vision for his role in the rotation underlines the significance of his progress. Leiter’s fastball prowess was a key reason for his selection, and his collegiate success included reaching 97 mph and posting a 2.13 ERA with 179 strikeouts in 110 innings.

However, Double-A proved challenging, impacting his command and leading to fewer strikeouts and more hits surrendered. In 15 games, he recorded a 5.51 ERA and 85 strikeouts, allowing 56 hits and 11 home runs in 65.1 innings.

Texas Rangers general manager Chris Young acknowledged there’s no fixed timeline for Leiter’s return, given the patient approach required. With the Texas League season winding down and the RoughRiders trailing by four games, there’s no rush.

Previously considered a fast-rising prospect, Leiter’s trajectory has shifted, focusing on mechanical adjustments and a return to his pre-draft delivery. This transformation might occur by the end of the month or could largely unfold during the upcoming offseason.