The Texas Rangers are stirring the pot with a bold idea: shifting their flame-throwing prospect Kumar Rocker from starter to closer as he nears a return from a right shoulder impingement that’s had him sidelined since late April. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Rangers see Rocker, a consensus top-50 prospect, as a potential spark for a bullpen that’s been more fizzle than sizzle, sporting a 4.20 ERA that ranks a pedestrian 19th in the majors. With the team sitting at 26-28 and on the outside of the AL playoff picture, it’s a gamble that could light a fire under a squad desperate for a boost. For more on the Rangers’ team stats, check the sports card above.
Rocker’s been a starter his whole career, including all eight of his big-league outings, but his 8.10 ERA in five starts this season—despite solid peripherals—shows he’s still finding his footing in the majors. Meanwhile, the Rangers’ rotation is a strength, with Nathan Eovaldi, Jacob deGrom, and Tyler Mahle anchoring a staff that’s posted a 3.38 team ERA, sixth-best in baseball. The bullpen, though? That’s where the trouble lies. With veteran closer Chris Martin out indefinitely with shoulder fatigue and guys like Luke Jackson (5.17 ERA, 8 saves in 10 chances) and Shawn Armstrong holding down the fort, Texas needs a game-changer in the late innings. Rocker’s electric arm—capable of hitting triple digits—could be just that, especially if he’s throwing max-effort heat in short bursts.
The move’s not as wild as it sounds. History’s got examples of aces like Chris Sale and C.J. Wilson starting in the bullpen before thriving as starters, and others like Seth Lugo have flipped roles later with success. Rocker’s rehab stint with Double-A Frisco, where he tossed three scoreless innings with three strikeouts on May 23, shows he’s close to ready. A shift to relief could get him back to the majors faster, since he wouldn’t need to build up a starter’s pitch count, and it might let him dominate while he adjusts to big-league hitters.
But it’s not a slam dunk. The Rangers’ offense has been ice-cold, tied for the third-fewest runs scored in the majors, despite heavy hitters like Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Wyatt Langford, and Joc Pederson. Even a lights-out bullpen might not fix a lineup that’s struggling to back its pitchers. Plus, moving Rocker to relief risks thinning out rotation depth, especially with Cody Bradford also working back from injury. If Rocker doesn’t take to the closer role, Texas could be left with a prospect out of position and a bullpen still searching for answers.
Fans on X are split. Some are hyped, with one user calling it a “genius move” to unleash Rocker’s “100-mph gas” in the ninth, while others worry it’s a panic move for a team that should focus on its bats. The Rangers, though, seem to believe Rocker thrives in high-pressure spots, and a closer role could be the stage he needs to shine. With his rehab progressing and a return looming, Texas is betting on their 25-year-old phenom to bring some heat—and maybe save their season.
