Kumar Rocker Set to Begin Rehab Assignment in Frisco
After missing the last month due to injury, Texas Rangers right-hander Kumar Rocker is set to begin building his pitch count back up in hopes of returning to a starting role.
According to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News, Rocker will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Frisco on Friday.
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Grant also notes that, with the Rangers' bullpen facing a "bind in the bullpen", Rocker's return could be accelerated if he's brought back as a reliever. While Rocker does have one relief appearance during his rehab from elbow surgery, Grant points out that he's never been viewed as a reliever.
Apr 17, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Kumar Rocker (80) delivers a pitch to the Los Angeles Angels during the fifth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-Imagn Images© Jim Cowsert-Imagn Images
However, his reliance on a slider-sinker combo could make him more effective in the short term out of the bullpen.
The Rangers' bullpen owns a 4.02 ERA, which ranks 17th in the majors. The unit has compiled a 1.280 WHIP with 149 strikeouts, 63 walks and a .239 opponents batting average. While not among the league's elite, the bullpen has held steady in the middle of the pack.
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Before the injury, Rocker posted an 8.10 ERA with 16 strikeouts and 5 walks in 20 innings. Rocker was drafted third overall by Texas in 2022, a year after concerns over a physical led him to going unsigned by the New York Mets as the 10th pick.
Related: Rangers Announce Jonah Heim News After Leaving Yankees Game
Kumar Rocker Set to Begin Rehab Assignment in Frisco first appeared on Athlon Sports on May 22, 2025
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