Kumar Rocker’s Spring Training Progress

SURPRISE — It was a backfield game against his own teammates on the first day of the second week of March, sure, but Kumar Rocker’s unofficial third start of spring training could only be classified as progress.

“It’s something positive to build off of,” Rocker said. “Try to capture it and keep it going.”

Improvement in Recent Game

Rocker pitched three scoreless no-hit innings vs. Texas Rangers major leaguers in a backfield intrasquad game Saturday afternoon at the club’s complex. The 25-year-old threw 39 pitches (23 for strikes) to a group of that included Joc Pederson, Josh Smith and Jonah Heim. He walked Heim, struck out Pederson and hit Smith, but largely elicited soft contact on balls that didn’t leave the infield.

It was the best that Rocker, a rotation hopeful, has looked in an organized game setting this spring. He allowed eight earned runs on eight hits and two walks in his first two Cactus League starts and struggled mightily to find the command of his ultra nasty slider-curveball off-speed pitch. He gave up four runs on four hits and two walks in his most recent exhibition start against the Milwaukee Brewers last Saturday and characterized the number of free passes that he handed out as “unacceptable.”

Previous Struggles

Rocker’s first two Cactus League starts were not impressive, and he struggled to find the command of his slider-curveball off-speed pitch. However, his recent game showed significant improvement, and he was able to throw his pitches with more accuracy and control.

The Rangers are looking for Rocker to become a key player in their rotation, and his recent performance is a step in the right direction. With his sharp fastball and improved slider-curveball, Rocker is looking to make a strong impression and secure a spot in the team’s rotation.

Assessment and Adjustments

Rocker, the club’s top pitching prospect according to both Baseball America and MLB Pipeline, underwent an assessment at the Rangers’ lab in between starts. The results showed that his top half and bottom half were not entirely in alignment.

“That’s usually what it takes, especially this early, is finding that sync,” Rocker said, “and trying to get the process right and not necessarily looking at the results too early. But, at the same time, you’re a competitor and it still kind of eats at you.”

Positive Signs

Saturday was a significant improvement for Rocker. That doesn’t mean it was perfect. Rocker lost control of one pitch and plunked Smith in the leg. Two pitches, in two different at bats, ran up and in on Ezequiel Duran and forced him to scramble backward. Rocker’s fastball was sharp and racked up four called strikes. His slider-curveball (or, slurve) was improved compared to his first two Cactus League starts.

“I’ve been looking for it,” Rocker said of his slurve. “I did some week this work, found it, and hopefully [will] keep it.”

Conclusion

Kumar Rocker’s recent game was a step in the right direction, and he is looking to build on this performance. With his improved fastball and slider-curveball, Rocker is hoping to secure a spot in the Rangers’ rotation. The team is looking for him to become a key player, and his recent performance is a positive sign.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did Kumar Rocker perform in his recent game?

A: Rocker pitched three scoreless no-hit innings vs. Texas Rangers major leaguers in a backfield intrasquad game, throwing 39 pitches (23 for strikes) to a group of that included Joc Pederson, Josh Smith, and Jonah Heim.

Q: What was the issue with Rocker’s pitching in his first two Cactus League starts?

A: Rocker struggled to find the command of his ultra nasty slider-curveball off-speed pitch and allowed eight earned runs on eight hits and two walks in his first two Cactus League starts.

Q: What adjustments did Rocker make to improve his pitching?

A: Rocker underwent an assessment at the Rangers’ lab in between starts, which showed that his top half and bottom half were not entirely in alignment. He made adjustments to his pitching motion to improve his sync and control.