Texas Rangers right-handed pitcher Kumar Rocker showcased his growth and resilience on a hot and humid day in Pennsylvania, as he pitched into the sixth inning without succumbing to cramps, attributing his success to his pre-game preparations.
In a tightly contested game, Rocker held the Pittsburgh Pirates to just two runs on five hits, three walks, and four strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings, contributing to the Rangers’ 3-2 victory at PNC Park. With an impressive 1.74 ERA in his last two major league starts, Rocker’s recent performance indicates a positive turnaround after being optioned to the minor leagues for a period focused on improvement.
Rocker’s demotion came after a challenging outing against the Tampa Bay Rays, where he struggled to mix pitches effectively and faced criticism for mental errors, including failing to cover first base. The Rangers’ manager, Bruce Bochy, acknowledged that this time away may have prompted a crucial self-reflection for Rocker. “Maybe he had a come-to-Jesus meeting with himself when he went down,” Bochy said, emphasizing the importance of Rocker’s mindset in his development.
Since returning from his stint in the minors, Rocker has utilized a more varied pitch mix, incorporating his slider effectively while also employing his fastball, sinker, and curveball, making him less predictable on the mound. His ability to maintain composure, even with runners on base, coupled with improved hustle in defensive plays, has drawn praise from his manager.
Bochy noted, “He’s come back up with a different look about him. It shows you about his makeup. He knows he has to get better at [the little things] and he did.”
Rocker’s journey reflects a larger narrative in sports—the ability to learn from setbacks and come back stronger. As he continues to fine-tune his skills and mindset, there is hope that he can solidify his place as a key player for the Rangers moving forward.