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Rangers Keep Options Open for Top Prospect’s 2024 Debut

Texas Rangers pitching prospect Kumar Rocker dazzled in his Triple-A debut. Rocker, who was opposed by Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, worked five one-hit innings and did not surrender a walk or a run. He even struck out ten of the 16 batters he faced to establish a new career high. His fastball touched 99.9 mph and generated 15 swinging strikes on 35 attempts. A performance like Rocker’s would warrant a call-up to the majors.

General manager Chris Young said the team hasn’t ruled out Rocker making his MLB debut before the season ends, per Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.

Rocker was originally drafted by the New York Mets in 2021. However, he didn’t sign after the Mets had unease with what they found in a post-draft physical. The following summer, he went into the draft again, this time by the Rangers.

Kumar Rocker’s 2024 MLB Debut Not Ruled Out

Rocker returned to the mound in July and put up a 1.79 ERA and an 11.75 strikeout-walk-ratio across 31 innings in three minor league levels. Although, given the Rangers expected 2025 roster and Rocker’s dominant run, the possibility grows that will be in part of the 2025 opening rotation. Allowing Rocker to get two or three starts this season will give him some experience against big-league hitters. It could even make the transition much smoother for both sides next year.

Grant mentioned that the Rangers have four starters in their rotation: Nathan Eovaldi, Andrew Heaney, Cody Bradford, and Jack Leiter. Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer will return within the week. This would give the Rangers six starters, potentially leading to the option of moving Heaney to the bullpen to open up one spot. If this happens, the rotation would consist of Eovaldi, Bradford, Leiter, and deGrom. Alternatively, the Rangers could consider leaving one spot for either Rocker or Scherzer. If neither option is chosen, the Rangers might switch to a six-man rotation for the rest of the season.

Altogether, it’s a lot to consider for Young and the Rangers.

Main Photo: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

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