Ure?a continues to make push for Opening Day roster
Kennedi Landry
@kennlandrySURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Rangers brought in several veteran pitchers as potential depth options this spring, and Jos¨¦ Ure?a continued making his case for the Opening Day roster on Thursday.
In Texas' 7-5 win against the Diamondbacks at Surprise Stadium, Ure?a made his second Cactus League appearance this spring. He pitched four innings of one-run baseball, allowing two hits and two walks while striking out three.
"I felt pretty good," Ure?a said. "The weather was a little bit crazy, but we made it. So far this spring, we've taken it step by step, and the good thing is I'm healthy. I go out there and compete. I can help in any spot they want."
Manager Bruce Bochy said the coaching staff is remaining open-minded about whether Ure?a will be a starter or reliever if he makes the Opening Day roster. He also emphasized that Ure?a has the flexibility to do both, depending on the team's needs.
"He's doing well," Bochy added. "We have a lot of pitchers that are really doing a nice job on the mound. He's one of them. His last outing was a good one and we like to see where he's at. He can sink it, and he's got a good slider. He's got experience too."
Leiter remains in camp after a round of cuts
The Rangers played a "B" game against the Padres in Peoria on Thursday.
While, right-hander Zak Kent and Rangers No. 10 prospect Owen White were optioned to Triple-A Round Rock, Jack Leiter (No. 8) was scheduled to make another appearance in front of the big league staff but instead returned to Surprise due to rain.
Leiter has allowed just one run and one walk while striking out two over four innings in three Cactus League appearances.
Leiter, selected by the Rangers as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, has struggled in his short professional career. In his debut season in 2022, the right-hander posted a 5.54 ERA in 92 2/3 innings with Double-A Frisco.
In 2023, he repeated Double-A but posted a 5.51 ERA in 15 starts before the Rangers placed him on the Development List. After he returned, Leiter posted a 3.31 ERA with only four walks to 25 strikeouts in his final four starts for the RoughRiders. He made one start with Triple-A Round Rock before the season ended.
He entered big league camp hoping to earn a spot on the roster.
"I have liked what I've seen from him," Bochy said. "I like his pace, his tempo and ease. He's in a good place right now. He's got a good look about him."
Rangers Gold Jerseys drop
Since 2016, the reigning World Series champs have worn uniforms with gold trim on Opening Day to commemorate the title. The Rangers' new uniforms were unveiled on Thursday.
The Rangers' uniforms include a gold trim on the jerseys, and the cap sports a bright gold Texas "T" logo.
The Gold Collection will be available in the Grand Slam Team Store at Globe Life Field starting March 21.