PHOENIX — Just two months back, Kumar Rocker was focusing on rehabilitating his right arm after Tommy John surgery, aiming to stay fit and impress in minor league games.

After an amazing performance across three levels of minor league play, where he made only 10 appearances, the Texas Rangers were so impressed that he is set to make his major league debut on Thursday night at T-Mobile Park in Seattle.

Now, after enduring three years, two arm surgeries, and being part of two different teams, he’s finally reached this milestone.

“He’s had a challenging road during rehab,” said Rangers manager Bruce Bochy. “But he’s worked diligently and deserves this chance based on how well he’s performed. His statistics are truly remarkable.

“That’s why we decided to call him up—to reward him for his hard work and give him a taste of life in the big leagues.”

At 24, Rocker, who has an Indian mother and a Black father, will also be making history as the first player of Indian heritage to play in Major League Baseball. His mother, Lalitha, came to the United States in 1965, while his father, Tracy, a College Football Hall of Famer, received prestigious awards for his performance at Auburn and now serves as a defensive line coach for the Tennessee Titans.

“This accomplishment really means a lot to me,” Rocker shared with YSL News Sports. “I feel it holds even greater significance for my mom. She’s always reminded me of my Indian heritage as I grew up, being of mixed descent. I believe she’ll be incredibly proud.”

His name, Rocker, which translates to “prince” or “young son” in Hindi, will be a source of pride as his family, friends, and agent are all traveling to Seattle to watch his long-awaited debut.

“I hope,” he said, “to give them something exciting to watch.”

This season, Rocker, who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 245 pounds, has certainly made a name for himself in the minors. He achieved an impressive 0.91 ERA over his last seven starts with AAA Round Rock and Class AA Frisco, striking out 47 players and allowing only three walks in 29 ⅔ innings.

“I’m thrilled and just happy to be here,” said Rocker, who will wear No. 80, the same number he used in college and the minors. “I feel like I’ve found my rhythm, and I hope to maintain it.”

Before this, Rocker was an All-American pitcher at Vanderbilt, finishing his junior year with a 14-4 record and leading Division I with 179 strikeouts over 122 innings – averaging 13.2 strikeouts per nine innings. He was drafted by the New York Mets as the 10th overall pick in 2021 and was offered a $6 million signing bonus. However, after a physical examination raised concerns, the Mets withdrew their offer.

Shortly afterward, he had shoulder surgery, and the following spring, he played independent league baseball for the TriCity ValleyCats and was later selected by the Rangers with the third overall pick in the 2022 draft. Rocker made six Class A starts before undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Now, he is poised to make a name for himself as one of the top pitching prospects in baseball.

“Every new challenge that comes my way gets me excited,” Rocker mentioned. “Whether I succeed at it right away or if it takes time, I’m always looking forward to facing the next challenge, especially in this sport.”

Rocker brings a sense of optimism for the Rangers (70-76), hoping that this year is just a bump in the road and that the reigning World Series champions will bounce back in 2025.

They are also welcoming back two-time Cy Young award winner Jacob deGrom to the big leagues on Friday, marking his first appearance since April 2023, alongside three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer making his return on Saturday after recovering from a thumb injury.

“I’m really excited—this is a fantastic week,” remarked Rangers GM Chris Young. “It’s special to debut one of your top prospects while also getting two of the best pitchers in the game back into the rotation.”

Rocker added, “These are legends I grew up watching.”

With deGrom and Scherzer back in the mix, all eyes will also be on Rocker, drawing comparisons from Bochy to earlier days when the San Francisco Giants promoted Tim Lincecum and Madison Bumgarner. Rocker’s journey through the minors this year included three rehab starts in the Arizona Complex League, five starts in Class AA Frisco with an incredible 0.46 ERA, and two starts at Triple-A Round Rock where he posted a 1.80 ERA while striking out 18 over 10 innings.

He arrives with an impressive arsenal that includes a fastball reaching 99 mph, a sharp slider, a strong curveball, and a changeup, ready to make a bold impact.

“I couldn’t ask for anything more,” Rocker stated. “The game is what it is. I understand that to get here, I needed to persevere, so I’m incredibly grateful.”

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