SEATTLE — Kumar Rocker's major league debut has finally arrived.
His highly anticipated debut had both good and bad points.
Rocker pitched four innings in the series opener between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners on Thursday night.
It was the conclusion of a long journey in the professional game for the former college phenom and top pitching prospect in the Rangers organization.
With his parents watching from the stands, Rocker endured a shaky start, giving up a single to Victor Robles on his first career pitch and then a single off the dribble to Julio Rodriguez.
But he got through the first inning unscathed, striking out Cal Lally and Randy Arozarena and getting Luke Lally out on a fly to the warning track.
He ended up striking out seven batters in his debut, toying with Seattle's hitters at times.
Rocker allowed the first run of his career on a solo homer by Justin Turner in the fourth inning, then a home run, missing a chance to finish the game with a lead.
“I feel like I was just trying to find my rhythm the whole game. That's part of this moment and part of this new experience,” Locker said. “You don't have to get frustrated with it. You learn from it.”
Rocker was replaced after throwing 74 pitches.
He allowed three hits and walked two in addition to striking out seven.
Rocker was the 10th overall pick by the Mets in the 2021 amateur draft after being a dominant star at Vanderbilt University, but did not sign due to health concerns.
Texas drafted him third overall in 2022 and he recovered from Tommy John surgery in May 2023 before earning a promotion that would lead to his debut on Thursday.
Texans general manager Chris Young said it was a “fun weekend” for the Rangers, with Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer scheduled to start Friday and Saturday following Locker's debut.
“Obviously, Max and Jacob will continue to pitch after that, and then we have a guy that was a high draft pick a couple years ago making his debut. It's not like he just made his debut in September, but he's a guy who's worked his way through the minor leagues because of his performance and now he's got an opportunity to pitch in the major leagues,” Young said.
Rocker, 24, has posted a 1.96 ERA in 10 games with three Rangers affiliates since July 5.
In his final two rehab appearances with Triple-A Round Rock, he struck out 18 in 10 innings, then in seven appearances with Double-A Frisco and Round Rock, he struck out 47 and walked just four in 29 2/3 innings.
“We're excited, I'll say that, and I think our fans are too. With Kumar and Jack (Reiter) and the young guys that are coming up, this is a big part of our future,” Texas coach Bruce Bochy said.
Locker's father, Tracy, the Tennessee Titans defensive line coach, left the team after practice Thursday and flew to watch his son make his first start.
“Forget about being a coach, right now he's the happiest parent. You know, one of the happiest parents in the world,” Titans defensive coordinator Denard Wilson said. “And to be able to go and watch your son throw the first pitch at a major league game. And to know that your son has overcome all the adversity and gone through all the minor league experiences to get to this point, it's just an awesome feeling.”
