Prized Prospect Kumar Rocker Making Rangers Spring Debut
The time is coming for Texas Rangers prized pitching prospect Kumar Rocker to take the hill for the first time in Spring Training.
In fact that time will come Tuesday when the Rangers face the Colorado Rockies. Rocker is one of the scheduled pitchers for the Rangers.
It sounds like manager Bruce Bochy cannot wait to see him in live game action.
“He’s going to be exciting to watch,” Bochy said. “This guy’s got dominating stuff. Tremendous slider. You know, he needs some innings, some pitches. He missed some time (last year). He got some time in the Arizona Fall League and I’m looking forward to watching him in a game. He’s a tremendous talent. I think he’s going to be on a fast pace once he gets in the minor leagues.”
Rocker's former Vanderbilt teammate and 2021 first-round pick Jack Leiter will make his first start Tuesday against Colorado.
Rocker was the Rangers’ first-round pick in July and didn’t play in the system after his selection. He did play in the Arizona Fall League and helped the Surprise Saguaros win the AFL title. He was also named an AFL All-Star.
Rocker was a non-roster invitee to Spring Training.
Bochy has made it clear the Rangers have no intention of rushing Rocker to the majors. The Rangers haven’t announced which minor-league team he will report to after camp breaks. Leiter started his minor-league career at Double-A Frisco in 2022.
“Like I said earlier, these guys will tell you when they’re ready,” Bochy said. “It’s fun to watch, to see how that progression happens. I’ve seen that happen a lot.”
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