Rangers' Kumar Rocker: Goes just 3.1 frames in loss
Rotowire
Rocker (0-2) took the loss against Seattle on Saturday, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits and two walks while striking out two batters over 3.1 innings.
Rocker began his outing with two scoreless frames, but he was torched for four runs in the third. The right-hander returned for the fourth inning but was pulled after giving up a one-out single. Rocker has struggled in two of his three outings so far this season, resulting in a poor 7.94 ERA and 1.94 WHIP overall. He hasn't been able to miss many bats, tallying just six strikeouts while issuing four walks through 11.1 frames.
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Rangers' Kumar Rocker: Holds Rays to one run
Rotowire
Rocker allowed one run on six hits while striking out one over five innings Sunday against the Rays. He did not factor into the decision.
Rocker looked much better Sunday compared to his last start. The Rays scattered six singles off him, which eventually led to a run in the fourth, but Rocker showed great improvement with his command. He finished at 77 pitches and kept the Rangers in a game they went on to win in walk-off style in the ninth. Rocker will look to take the momentum of this positive start with him on the road against the Mariners next weekend.
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Rangers' Kumar Rocker: Crushed in Cincinnati
Rotowire
Rocker (0-1) allowed six runs on seven hits and two walks over three innings Monday, striking out three and taking a loss against Cincinnati.
The Reds jumped on Rocker right out of the gate with a three-run first inning, spearheaded by Matt McLain's two-run homer. Things got worse in the second with Elly De La Cruz's three-run jack. Rocker gave up just one long ball through 11.2 frames at the MLB level last year. He touched 97 mph with the fastball and forced 10 swinging strikes on 74 total pitches (45 strikes). His next start is lined up to be at home against the Rays this weekend.
Rangers' Kumar Rocker: Officially makes Texas rotation
Rotowire
Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young said Tuesday that Rocker will be in the team's Opening Day rotation, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.
Injuries to Jon Gray (wrist) and Cody Bradford (elbow) seemed to make this a foregone conclusion, and now it's official. Rocker mostly struggled this spring, but he ended on a high note with eight strikeouts over 4.2 innings in his final Cactus League outing. The 25-year-old's workload in 2025 will be curtailed to some degree after he threw only 48.1 innings in 2024 following a return from Tommy John surgery.
Rangers' Kumar Rocker: Fans eight in encouraging start
Rotowire
Rocker allowed two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out eight over 4.2 innings in Thursday's spring start against the Rockies.
Although not a perfect outing, Thursday's effort was Rocker's best in four Cactus League appearances. He had allowed 11 runs over his first 4.1 innings this spring, but this latest effort represents a second straight encouraging outing. The 25-year-old right-hander threw 76 pitches (47 strikes), as he continued to refine the mechanical issues that were on display in his first two starts. Rocker is poised to slot into the Rangers' rotation after the club lost Cody Bradford (elbow) and Jon Gray (wrist) to injuries last week.
Rocker allowed three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out two over 2.1 innings in Friday's spring start against the Padres.
Against San Diego's potential Opening Day lineup, Rocker showed slight improvement from his first two Cactus League starts, when he allowed eight runs over two innings. His 22.85 spring ERA suggests a rotation spot is a long shot, but events elsewhere Friday improved Rocker's chances. Jon Gray suffered a fractured wrist during a split-squad game against the Rockies which contributed to the unsettled nature of Texas' rotation. Gray will join Cody Bradford (elbow) on the injured list to open the season, potentially opening up spots for both Rocker and Jack Leiter.
