Right-handers Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker were teammates at the University of Vanderbilt.
Both were drafted in 2021.
Leiter landed with the Texas Rangers, while Rocker landed with the New York Mets.
The Mets ended up not signing Rocker.
But one year later, the Rangers swooped in and selected him, effectively reuniting the two Vanderbilt teammates.
And yesterday, the two pitched in the same game for the first time since their college days.
Leiter and Rocker each threw an inning on Tuesday in the Rangers’ 6-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies.
Combined, they allowed just one hit and recorded a strikeout as Leiter earned the win.
Jack Leiter & Kumar Rocker pitched in the same game for their first time since Vandy!
The two prospects combined for:
2.0 IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB, 1K, W 🔥(📸 @TEXPlayerDev) pic.twitter.com/dsBufTD33V
— Farm To Fame (@FarmToFame_) March 1, 2023
And so, two close friends and college teammates who were dominant during their days at Vanderbilt combined to help bring home a win for the Rangers.
Ultimately, the Mets choosing not to sign Rocker worked out in the right-hander’s favor, as he is now reunited with his old friend and college teammate in Leiter.
Leiter and Rocker were two of the most dominant college pitchers and were seemingly destined for greatness.
Fortunately, they’ll have an opportunity to pursue greatness together as they prepare for the upcoming season and do their best to fight for roster spots.
The Rangers stacked their pitching staff this past offseason with the additions of Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, Jake Odorizzi, and Andrew Heaney.
Leiter and Rocker simply add to the depth of the team on the pitching side and could be key contributors out of the bullpen soon as the Rangers look to take the next step.
NEXT:
Video Shows Jacob deGrom Throwing Heat In His New Uniform
