Jack Leiter, Kumar Rocker make Rangers spring training debut in same game

The Vandy Boys are making their presence known at the next level and one team is all-in on two of the program’s former pitchers. Both Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker are recent top-three draft picks of the Texas Rangers and are viewed as two of the team’s top-level prospects.

Both Leiter and Rocker made their spring training debut in Surprise on Tuesday, doing so in special fashion. They were able to pitch in the same game together, something the duo never did while in Nashville. Considered starters for Vanderbilt, relief duty was the assignment against the Colorado Rockies, getting one each.

“I don’t think we ever pitched in the same game, so obviously that’s cool,” Leiter said via Kennedi Landri of MLB.com. “It’s great to have him here, a familiar face. It’s been special and I’m looking forward to where it goes in the future.”

Leiter got off to a rough start, recording a hit-by-pitch. He recovered nicely though, facing the minimum with a strikeout and ground out. Catcher Jonah Heim also caught the baserunner stealing, giving Leiter a breezy debut. According to those in attendance, the fastball was hitting 95 miles per hour for Leiter.

Rocker was not going to let Leiter show him up, only seeing three batters as well. While he allowed a leadoff single, the 2022 third-overall pick got a flyout before forcing a double play. It’s only one inning of spring training work but it’s an impressive start to the season.

Bruce Bochy comments on debut of Leiter, Rocker

A new era is beginning in Texas, with Bruce Bochy taking over as manager. While Leiter and Rocker will not be in the Major Leagues this season, the experienced Bochy is still watching over them during spring training. He was impressed with the Vandy duo, talking about bouncing back after allowing leadoff men on.

“I thought they threw well,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “Both have great stuff, and it’s good to get them out there and get their feet wet here today. It’s only gonna get better with those two and I personally was looking forward to seeing them myself. Both I thought handled himself well, and the leadoff man got on, but the important thing is how they handled that and they handled it well.”

Leiter will spend most of the 2023 season in AA Frisco while no plan has been announced for Rocker. Nonetheless, both are part of the long-term future of the Rangers in a big way. They will be hoping this is just the first of what could impressive side-by-side careers.