Texas Rangers prospect Kumar Rocker takes next big step in return from Tommy John surgery

SURPRISE, Ariz. - Right-hander Kumar Rocker, the Rangers’ top pick in the 2022 draft, has begun the last stage in his rehabilitation throwing progression before getting back on the mound

Rocker has started playing catch from 120 feet. He will continue at that stage for another week or so, then begin a brief “deload,” or rest period, that will likely take him into mid-March. When he returns from that, he will ramp back up with the idea of throwing off a mound for the first time since last year’s Tommy John surgery. The hope is that he’s throwing off a mound in early April. It would put him on a schedule consistent with the Rangers original prognosis of a midseason return to pitching.

“We’re really excited,” assistant general manager Ross Fenstermaker said. “It’s coming out so free and easy when the ball leaves his hand.”

Rocker, 24, underwent surgery last May after suffering an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament in his first pro season after just six starts. Rocker had been the 10th overall pick out of Vanderbilt in 2021 by the New York Mets, but did not sign after questions arose about his physical. He underwent an unspecified shoulder procedure and pitched five games in the independent Frontier League to boost his stock ahead of the draft.

The Rangers selected him third, signing him for an under-slot bonus of $5.2 million. They later used the savings on right-hander Brock Porter, a high-schooler who was considered a first-round talent. In Rocker and Jack Leiter, the second overall pick in 2021, the Rangers have both of Vanderbilt’s twin aces.

Twitter: @dmn_rangers

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