Kumar Rocker makes his debut for Rangers throwing 4 innings with 7 Ks against Mariners
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Kumar Rocker warms up before his major league debut against the Seattle Mariners in a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Lindsey Wasson]
SEATTLE (AP) — Kumar Rocker’s debut in the majors finally arrived and it was a mixed bag for his highly anticipated first outing. Rocker threw four innings, allowed one run and struck out seven against the Seattle Mariners. Rocker endured a shaky start, giving up a single to Victor Robles on the first pitch of his career and a dribbling single to Julio Rodriguez. But he recovered to at times look dominant. Rocker’s debut is the conclusion of a lengthy journey through the pro game for the one-time college phenom who was a dominant star at Vanderbilt. Texas drafted him third overall in 2022 and he underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2023.
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Texas Rangers starting pitcher Kumar Rocker sits in the dugout before facing the Seattle Mariners during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Lindsey Wasson