Maybe the most important thing to remember about Jack Leiter’s callup is the article. Not this one.

This isn’t just any callup, but it might not be the ultimate callup. Leiter’s arrival in the majors on Thursday to take on Detroit marks one of the most eagerly awaited debuts by a Texas Rangers pitcher since David Clyde, about 50 years ago. It’s a significant event. However, the only parallel between Clyde’s debut and Leiter’s is that both were more focused on the team’s needs rather than solely on the pitcher’s individual journey.

For Clyde, the Rangers needed to boost attendance to establish credibility, so they opted to utilize the arm of the high schooler they had recently drafted as the first overall pick, despite the risks. With Leiter, the focus is more on managing and developing the starting rotation while providing real-time experience for a promising pitcher who is gradually nearing readiness for the long term.

Chances are, it’s a one-time opportunity, aimed at giving the rest of the rotation an extra day of rest during a busy early-season schedule. If Wednesday’s game gets rained out — and the forecast isn’t promising — Leiter might only spend a brief stint in the majors, equivalent to just a few hours.

Well, there’s always a possibility. Cole Winn, who just made his debut a mere two days ago as the most recent first-round pick, initially debated whether to even bring an overnight bag for his trip to Houston. However, he ended up retiring all five batters he faced, and now, on Thursday, he’ll already be considered a seasoned member of the pitching staff, relatively speaking.

The key takeaway is that there’s opportunity. Leiter, who was the second overall pick in 2021, has certainly earned his chance despite facing struggles with control and confidence. After being removed from the Double-A Frisco rotation and placed on a development plan to improve his command, he’s made significant progress with his fastball control. He wrapped up last season at Round Rock, stayed with the team through spring training until the final days, and even had some support to make the opening day roster. Since returning from the development program, he’s maintained a ratio of five strikeouts for every walk.

If he’s not fully prepared, he’s very close. And a start in the big leagues could serve as the real-time testing ground he needs to propel himself to the next level.

It’s a beginning. Perhaps not the definitive beginning, but a beginning nonetheless.