The Texas Rangers have announced that pitcher Kumar Rocker will be placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder impingement. This decision was communicated by the team's manager, Bruce Bochy, to the media, including Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News. To compensate for Rocker's absence, the Rangers have recalled Gerson Garabito to reinforce the bullpen during this challenging stretch.

Rocker, who was selected as the third overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, was poised to make a significant impact this season after a series of injuries sidelined other pitchers such as Cody Bradford and Jon Gray during Spring Training. These circumstances initially opened the door for Rocker to step into the role of the fifth starter for the Rangers. Last season, Rocker showcased his potential by dominating in the minor leagues following his recovery from Tommy John surgery. During that time, he boasted an impressive 1.96 ERA and notched 55 strikeouts across 36.2 innings, demonstrating his ability to handle high-pressure situations.

However, the narrative has shifted dramatically for Rocker as he navigated the early part of this MLB season. Over his first five outings, he has struggled significantly, with three of those appearances resulting in him being hit hard by opposing batters. His most recent performance, which took place in Sacramento, was particularly troubling. In that game, Rocker failed to complete the second inning, surrendering five runs before exiting, contributing to a loss against the Oakland Athletics. This dismal outing has pushed his earned run average to a staggering 8.10 in the current season, and his strikeout rate has dropped to a mere 16.8%, a far cry from the 13.3% he achieved during his previous three MLB starts.

Manager Bruce Bochy has not provided a specific timeline for Rockers recovery or return to action. It is anticipated that he will be sidelined for at least a couple of weeks. Depending on his progress, there is a possibility that the Rangers may option him back to Triple-A Round Rock after he regains his health. Meanwhile, Patrick Corbin has stepped into the major league rotation, as his late signing at the start of the season delayed his debut. The Rangers' pitching staff is currently led by notable names such as Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, and Tyler Mahle. Additionally, Jack Leiter is on the injured list due to a blister but has performed well during a recent rehab start, pitching 4.2 scoreless innings. He is expected to be activated for the upcoming Sunday game in San Francisco, having allowed just one run over his first ten innings pitched this season.