The Texas Rangers step into Sunday’s series finale against the Seattle Mariners with a 41–42 record and the pressing goal of evening the series at home while reestablishing the consistency that eluded them through much of June, and they’ll be turning to young right-hander Jack Leiter to help accomplish that. Leiter, a highly regarded prospect still finding his footing in the majors, enters with a 4–5 record and a 4.55 ERA, showing flashes of brilliance paired with moments of inexperience, particularly when it comes to command and managing damage with runners on base. The Rangers have leaned on Josh Smith as a steadying presence in the lineup, as he’s carried a .278 average and .350 on-base percentage while frequently setting the tone at the top of the order, especially important given the recent struggles of stars like Corey Seager and Adolis García, who have not met expectations in terms of offensive production. The Texas offense has averaged just 3.4 runs per game in June when excluding two high-scoring outliers, a sign that their issues extend beyond a short slump and into an identity crisis that’s left them struggling to put together full, competitive games. Defensively, the Rangers remain solid but not elite, with occasional lapses that have cost them extra outs in recent tight games, making clean execution essential against a Mariners team that thrives on taking advantage of mistakes.

Leiter will need to be efficient through the first five innings, as the Rangers’ bullpen has shown some wear and tear in recent weeks, lacking a clear lockdown presence and struggling to hold leads in late innings, which has been a recurring issue in close contests. Manager Bruce Bochy will likely stress fundamentals and push for early offensive pressure, hoping to jump on Seattle starter Luis Castillo before he settles into a groove, which is easier said than done against a pitcher with elite strikeout ability and veteran poise. Texas must focus on stringing together quality at-bats and avoiding their tendency to chase pitches outside the zone, particularly in leverage situations where they’ve too often come up empty with runners in scoring position. The Rangers will also need Seager and García to deliver in the clutch—not just with the occasional solo home run, but with consistent contact and productive plate appearances that can sustain rallies and change the tone of the game. A win on Sunday would not only prevent a series loss but also give the Rangers a .500 record again and some much-needed momentum as they head into the second half of the season looking to reassert themselves as contenders in the AL West. The formula is straightforward but demanding: steady pitching from Leiter, mistake-free defense, timely hitting, and strategic bullpen use, all of which must come together to overcome a Seattle team that has quietly found its stride offensively. If Texas can check those boxes and play to their potential, they’ll have a good shot at salvaging the series and resetting the tone for the upcoming stretch.