Kumar Rocker DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Texas Rangers general manager Chris Young and manager Bruce Bochy have both denied a report that the team is considering using right-hander Kumar Rocker (shoulder) as their closer. Rocker is currently on the 15-day injured list with a right-shoulder impingement and hasn't pitched in the big leagues since April 24. The 25-year-old's fastball-slider combination could play up in a relief role once he's healthy, but contrary to a report from USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale, the Rangers aren't currently considering using Rocker in a high-leverage relief role when he returns from his shoulder injury. The team's No. 2 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, struggled to an 8.10 ERA and 1.75 WHIP with 16 strikeouts and five walks in his first five starts this year before getting injured. He's expected to need at least two more minor-league rehab starts before returning to the majors.

Texas Rangers right-handed pitching prospect Kumar Rocker (shoulder) is scheduled to start his minor-league rehab assignment with Double-A Frisco on Friday, according to The Dallas Morning News' Evan Grant. Rocker is nearing a return to the big-league level after he was placed on the 15-day injured list in late April with a right-shoulder impingement. The 25-year-old was able to throw a successful live batting practice session earlier this week. Rocker is expected to need at least several appearances on his rehab assignment, and it's possible they speed up his return to the big leagues by moving him into a relief role. That would obviously be bad news for fantasy managers hoping for him to return some value in single-year formats in 2025. The former third overall pick in 2022 had a rough 8.10 ERA, 1.75 WHIP and 16:5 K:BB in five starts in Texas before getting hurt.

Texas Rangers right-handed pitching prospect Kumar Rocker (shoulder) could start a minor-league rehab assignment later this week if he bounces back well from the two-inning live batting practice session he had on Sunday, according to The Dallas Morning News' Shawn McFarland. Manager Bruce Bochy said that Rocker looked "good" on Sunday, but the 25-year-old will have a lengthy rehab assignment because of the fact that he was shut down for three weeks while recovering from a right-shoulder impingement. Rocker is a must-stash in dynasty/keeper leagues, but there's a chance that he won't be placed right back into a starting role at the big-league level when he completes his rehab assignment. The former third overall pick had a rough 8.10 ERA and 1.75 WHIP with five walks and 16 strikeouts in 20 innings over his first five starts of the year with Texas before getting hurt.