The Rangers thought they were getting their pitching staff back to full strength.

Young first addressed Jordan Montgomery, who made his return to the major leagues on Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles after rehabbing from Tommy John surgery in March 2025. He was hit hard, giving up six hits in four innings out of the bullpen, including two home runs. The left-hander could be called upon more often though, with Eovaldi now on the mend. 

“There were some good things, and there were some things that are just going to get better with time,” Young said of Montgomery. “That was the first time back on a big league mound in over a year and a half. He did throw strikes, he did attack the zone, but I think we saw a little bit of fatigue. The hope is that he continues to improve, and if he does, he’ll really help us out here.”

Jack Leiter could be another key arm to return for the Rangers, but like Montgomery, it may be in a different role than he had prior to his injury. Young indicated the priority is to get their young right-hander back to the big leagues quickly, as he has progressed well in his recovery from midseason ankle surgery. That could mean Leiter also moves to the bullpen for the stretch run.

“We could spend four weeks on rehab building him up as a starter, or we may be able to expedite that and get him back to the big leagues at two or three innings via the bullpen. These are conversations we are going to have,” Young said. “I think he could be unbelievable as a back end leverage arm throwing 100 mph out of the bullpen. So it’s exciting to dream on and think about. Ultimately, Jack is going to have a say in this, and there’s no doubt he’s going to help us in whatever role that is.”

Young said there likely would have been a trade if deGrom had not made those statements.

“There was a team that was offering Jacob the chance to go win, probably more so than we could certainly guarantee him,” Young explained. “That said, Jacob said very loudly and clearly that he believes in this group. He wants to be a Ranger, he wants to win here, and that message is super powerful. 

“He’s a terrific person and one of the best pitchers that’s ever played this game, and to have him in a Rangers uniform is always a terrific thing for our organization. So in no way am I frustrated by Jacob deGrom being a Texas Ranger.”