Texas Rangers starting pitcher Kumar Rocker has now had two successful outings when pitching behind an opener.
Most starting pitchers would probably tell you they don’t want to pitch behind an opener, but it’s a strategy implemented by teams every so often in the modern era, based on advanced metrics.
However, you don’t need any advanced metrics to tell you that the Texas Rangers' starting pitching has struggled with getting the first three outs of the game, and Kumar Rocker is no exception.
Entering Monday night’s series opener against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park, Rocker had a 9.96 ERA in the first inning of games and an ERA of just 2.89 in innings 2-8.
To combat those struggles, the Rangers implemented the opener strategy in Miami, tasking Tyler Alexander with pitching the first inning ahead of Rocker.
Alexander fired a perfect first inning before Rocker came in and threw five innings, allowing just two runs in an eventual 4-3 Rangers win.
This wasn’t the first time Rocker had success pitched behind an opener. Back on May 19th against the Colorado Rockies, Rocker had one of, if not the, best outings of his career, going 7.2 shutout innings after Alexander once again pitched the first.
Although there may not be a clear reason or number behind Rocker’s success following an opener, the strategy has now yielded two successful results in two tries.
“We try to mix up his routine based on the opener in Colorado, and for whatever reason, the opener has helped him,” Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said. “The numbers are the numbers, and they're real.
"And the strikeout-to-walk rate in both games -- in Colorado and today in Miami -- against a left-handed-heavy lineup that usually gives him trouble -- I mean, he was lights out. It’s something that we got to talk about, but I mean, it's been successful.”
The Rangers certainly would prefer Rocker to be able to figure out the first inning rather than have to use an opener in front of him in every start. But, as Schumaker alluded to, the numbers don’t lie, and it’s something Texas will have to at least give thought to moving forward.
As for Rocker, he’s focused on doing whatever he can do to be successful at the big league level.
“I think it's just them managing the game well and just putting me in a position of success,” Rocker said. “Every time, I'm just trying to go out there and be intentional and execute and do the best I can. I've just been fortunate enough to get good results from it.”
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
