Kumar Rocker Looks Strong In 2022 Debut

Troy, N.Y. — Nearly a year after the Mets selected him in the first round of the 2021 draft, Kumar Rocker returned to competitive baseball. The righthander made his first start for the Tri-City ValleyCats, an MLB Partner League team in the Frontier League. 

In all, Rocker lasted four innings and allowed two runs on three hits and no walks. He struck out six and threw 60 pitches. His fastball sat at 95-97 mph and he mixed in a slider at 83-84 mph and a cutter at 86-87 mph. He also threw two 89 mph changeups, which he sold well with solid arm speed.

Rocker opened his outing by sitting 95-97 mph over the first few innings while also showing a low-80s slider and a high-80s cutter. Rocker allowed a bloop base hit in the first but struck out two batters in the inning while getting swinging strikes on his fastball and cutter. 

Rocker opened the second inning by getting a grounder to second base on a 97 mph fastball. He struck out the next batter on three pitches, including a 99 mph fastball on the first pitch of the at-bat. He finished the frame by getting a pop up to the catcher. In all, Rocker needed just eight pitches in the second inning. 

The third inning was more of the same. He needed just 12 pitches in that inning and continued to hold his mid-90s velocity. 

The fourth inning wasn’t as kind to Rocker. 

The righthander struggled with his command in the inning, hitting the first batter of the frame before allowing a two-run home run to the following batter. He labored through the inning, showing less command and needing 22 pitches to retire the side.

Here is the video of his outing.