Kumar Rocker’s major league debut saw him allow one run and strike out seven in four innings against the Mariners on Thursday.
Rocker’s slider was outstanding, producing 13 missed swings the 33 times he threw it. None of the three balls in play against it were hit harder than 84 mph. He needed a season-high 74 pitches to get through four innings, so the victory was never in play. Still, he definitely met expectations and demonstrated how he could become a force in fantasy leagues next year. He might start again versus the Jays or Mariners next week.