Hickory Pitcher Kumar Rocker set for Tommy John Surgery

By:Jeff Hewitt Posted on

Texas Rangers General Manager Chris Young announced today that right-handed pitcher Kumar Rocker will undergo Tommy John surgery.

The surgery will be performed by Dr. Keith Meister in Dallas, Texas. Rocker, 23, was the third overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers.

He made six starts for the Rangers’ High- affiliate, Hickory Crawdads, this season, compiling a 2-2 record with a 3.86 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 28 innings.

Tommy John surgery is a common procedure for pitchers who suffer an elbow injury. The surgery involves replacing the torn ligament in the elbow with a tendon from another part of the body. The recovery time for Tommy John surgery is typically 12-18 months.

Rocker is expected to miss the remainder of the 2023 season and a portion of the 2024 season. However, the Rangers are confident that he will make a full recovery and be a key part of their future rotation.

I’m a diehard Dallas area sports fanatic for over 45 years. I’m living in Houston with my wonderful wife who’s also a Rangers fan! I am a dad to 4 and a Poppi to 3 wonderful grandkids! I love covering the Rangers’ minor league teams. I’m dealing with a disease called Transverse Myelitis, which limits some things but never baseball!