Sep 12 – Kumar Rocker hopes he can put his first-game nerves aside for the time being.
The right-hander is scheduled to make his major league debut for the Texas Rangers on Thursday night when they take on the host Seattle Mariners in a four-game series.
“Maybe it will affect me after the game,” the 24-year-old Roque told reporters in Phoenix. He joined the Rangers on Wednesday and is awaiting his first start.
How does the former first-round pick out of Vanderbilt feel about making it to the big leagues after appearing in just 16 minor league games over the past two seasons?
“I couldn’t ask for anything more than that,” Rock said. “That’s just the way the sport is. I know you have to ride the waves to get here, so I’m really happy with that.”
The defending World Series champion Texas Rangers (70-76) are not in the shape they were expected to defend this season, which is one reason Rock got this opportunity. But that’s not the only reason.
“He’s done well enough to get here,” Rangers general manager Chris Young said. “I think it’s great that we can get him here and get him some experience, I don’t know what that means for 2025, but certainly if it goes well, he has a chance to compete in the rotation moving forward. A position where I think the experience he gained this season will come in handy.”
Lock has a 1.96 ERA in 10 games at three minor league levels this season after recovering from Tommy John surgery. In two starts at Triple-A Round Rock, he gave up two runs on four hits in 10 innings, allowed one base hit and struck out 18.
“I think you have to look at the body of work,” Texas manager Bruce Bochy said. “It’s really, really impressive. He deserves it and he’s a big part of the Rangers’ future. Why not give him some time here?”
The Rock looks like he’s ready.
“I get excited whenever I’m faced with a new challenge,” he said. “Whether it’s an immediate win or it takes time, I’m always looking forward to the next win, especially in this sport.”
He will join a Rangers rotation that includes his former college teammate Jack Wright.
“Rourke has dominated every healthy season since his sophomore year in high school,” Wright said. “It’s never really been a question for him. It’s fun to watch, it really is.
“He looks like the best version of himself that we’ve ever seen.”
The Mariners (74-72) have won five of their last seven games, including a 5-2 victory over the visiting San Diego Padres on Wednesday. Bryan Wu started the game with 6 1/3 perfect innings, bringing Seattle within 3 1/2 games of division-leading Houston in the American League West.
“I didn’t feel great in the bullpen (before the game). I was just a little uncomfortable, and then you get out there and you feel comfortable,” Wu said. “It’s a weird game.”
Texas right-hander Bryce Miller (11-8, 3.18 ERA) is scheduled to start Thursday at Seattle.
Miller pitched six scoreless innings in a 6-1 win at St. Louis on Friday, allowing three hits, two runs and four strikeouts.
But Miller has started in three career games against Texas and is 0-3 with a 12.66 ERA. In a 5-1 loss to the host Rangers on April 24, he allowed two runs on four hits, four walks and five strikeouts in four innings.
–Visual-level media
