That’s two starts, two poundings.

After two spring training starts, Kumar Rocker’s ERA sits at a whopping 36.00. Players in Brewers uniforms jumped all over him for four runs in the first. He didn’t come out for a second inning.

That’s two games now where he has given up four runs in the first. Obviously, spring stats aren’t important. But they still happen. It’s going to be hard for the 25-year-old righty to force his way into the Rangers rotation with that kind of performance. 

There’s still a few more spring starts left to turn it around, get his confidence back, and show he can get hitters out. But if he has to start the season in the minor leagues, there’s no shame in that. Jack Leiter has yet to figure it out, and he’s had a big headstart. 

Rocker and Leiter will forever be linked because of their huge success at Vanderbilt. Both were drafted in the first round by the Rangers. Both are trying to figure it out in the major leagues. Rocker got three starts last year and showed signs of promise. Leiter mostly showed signs of not being ready yet in his six major league starts in 2024.

It’s spring. No need to panic. But, for Kumar Rocker, there is a need to figure some things out. Giving up four runs per inning is usually not a recipe for success.

*****

TODAY’S CACTUS LEAGUE GAME: 

Arizona vs Texas, 2:05

Radio: 105.3 FM