WATCH: Josh Jung Faces Kumar Rocker in Rangers Spring Training

Spring Training offers the Rangers a chance for top prospects to square off against each other in batting practice.

You get to see some interesting things during Spring Training. For the Texas Rangers, that means elite prospects facing off against each other in batting practice.

That’s what happened on Monday when position players participated in their first workouts in Surprise, Ariz.

Rangers third baseman Josh Jung, considered by MLB.com to be the organization’s No. 1 overall prospect, faced off pitcher Kumar Rocker, a top 10 prospect by The Athletic.

Who won this time? Let’s look at the tape.

Battle of top Rangers prospects:

Kumar Rocker (No. 3 overall pick in 2022) wins this battle, whiffing Josh Jung: pic.twitter.com/Vz1g7TFKMz

— Jesse Borek (@JesseABorek) February 20, 2023

Jung will graduate from the prospect rankings shortly after the 2023 season begins, as he is expected to be the Opening Day third baseman.

Jung was expected to be the Opening Day third baseman last April, but an injury nearly ended his 2022 season. He tore a shoulder labrum during spring training, an injury the Rangers expected would cost him the season.

But Jung progressed faster than expected and was able to speed through the minors before the Rangers called him up on Sept. 9.

Jung played in 26 games for the Rangers and batted .204/.235/.418/.653 with four doubles, one triple, five home runs and 14 RBI. He walked four times and struck out 39 times.

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.

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You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard

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