Early spring training standouts for the Texas Rangers
Spring training is well underway for the Texas Rangers in Surprise, Ariz.
The Rangers are heading toward a season with bigger expectations than they’ve had in years because of free-agent signings and the hiring of Bruce Bochy as manager.
Through the first couple of weeks of training and a few games, here are standouts:
Nathan Eovaldi
One of the Rangers marquee signings in the offseason, Eovaldi made his debut on Saturday against Kansas City Royals and looked worth every penny. Eovaldi tossed two scoreless innings, allowed no runners to reach bases and notched four strikeouts against the Royals.
Eovaldi looks to regain his 2021 All-Star form this year for the Rangers.
Brad Miller
Miller is coming off an injury-plagued 2022 season where he struggled with neck and hip soreness and was shut down in September as a result.
Miller has been on fire to start spring training slashing .444/.444/.889 with one home run and three RBI. Miller looks to be regaining the form that made him a top utility man for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2021 when he hit 20 home runs, the second-highest mark of his career.
Jonathan Ornelas
Ranked as the No. 21 prospect according to MLB.com, Ornelas leads the Rangers in hits so far with five.
Ornelas has hit .556/.556/.778 in spring training following a career season in 2022 with Double-A Frisco where had a career-high in homers, RBI and walks while slashing .299/.360/.425.
Ornelas also has versatility having played second base, third base, shortstop and center field in 2022.
Justin Foscue
The No. 5 ranked prospect according to MLB.com has a great start to spring training slashing .429/.375/1.286 along with two home runs and 3 RBI.
Foscue has continued where he left off last season after a tremendous season in Double-A Frisco and looks to make a statement this year in spring training.
Jack Leiter/Kumar Rocker
Leiter and Rocker are the No. 2 and No. 8 prospects on the Rangers according to MLB.com and both young players have spoken about noting the work ethic and knowledge of their veteran teammates.
The former Vanderbilt teammates made their debuts in the Rangers 6-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies. Both pitchers tossed scoreless innings out of the bullpen and only faced three batters apiece getting out of the inning and facing the minimum number of batters.
This story was originally published March 1, 2023 at 11:17 AM.
