Ex-college phenom Kumar Rocker making MLB debut for Rangers

SEATTLE -- The wait is finally over for Kumar Rocker.

Rocker will make his major league debut Thursday night for the Texas Rangers as they open a series in Seattle against the Mariners . The debut for the Rangers' top pitching prospect is the conclusion of a lengthy journey through the pro game for the former college phenom.

After being a dominant star in college at Vanderbilt, Rocker became the 10th overall pick by the Mets in 2021 amateur draft and went unsigned due to medical concerns. Texas drafted him third overall in 2022 and he has recovered from Tommy John surgery in May 2023 to earn the promotion leading to Thursday's debut.

Rangers general manager Chris Young said it was a "fun weekend" with Rocker's debut, followed by Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer scheduled to start Friday and Saturday.

"Obviously we're getting Max and Jacob back on subsequent days and then, on top of that, having our top draft pick from a couple of years ago make his debut," Young said. "Someone who is not just making a September debut, someone who has really kind of flown through the minor leagues because of his performance who has now earned the opportunity to pitch in the big leagues."

The 24-year-old Rocker has a 1.96 ERA in 10 games for three different Rangers affiliates since July 5. In his final two rehab starts for Triple-A Round Rock, he had 18 strikeouts over 10 innings, and finished with 47 strikeouts and four walks in 29⅔ innings over seven starts combined for Double-A Frisco and Round Rock.

"I'm excited. I'll say that," Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said. "The fans should be. This is a big part of our future when you're looking at Kumar and Jack (Leiter) and young guys that come up."

And Rocker will have his parents in Seattle for the game, including his dad, Tracy, who is the defensive line coach for the Tennessee Titans . Tracy Rocker left the team following practice Thursday to fly to see his son make his first start.

"Forget being a coach. Now he's the happiest parent, you know, one of the happiest parents in the world," Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson said. "And to be able to go to see your son throw out the first pitch in a Major League Baseball game and your son has gone through the adversity he has and went through the minors to get to this point? Man, it's a hell of a feeling."