Texas Rangers top pitching prospect Kumar Rocker is set to make his debut start tonight against the Seattle Mariners. The former NCAA national champion and third overall draft pick tore up the minor leagues in 2024, and has rightfully earned his September call up. For his debut, let’s look at his prop lines, and make a same game parlay for this Rangers vs. Mariners series opener.
Kumar Rocker Under 4.5 Hits Allowed
Rocker in 2024 has a 5.9 H/9 rate across three levels in the minor leagues, and against a weaker Mariners lineup, this hit line seems a bit high. His pitch mix never being seen before by Seattle should be a tough task to work through, and Rocker is very capable of keeping this total under if he has solid control tonight.
Kumar Rocker Under 2.5 Earned Runs
While there are some power threats on this Mariners roster like Randy Arozarena, Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh, Rocker should be able to limit the runs with it being his first time getting through a major league lineup. While his walk total may be higher due to nerves and adrenaline, the earned runs shouldn’t be a major concern for Rocker tonight.
Kumar Rocker Over 1.5 BB
While Rocker’s command and control hasn’t been a major concern through his professional development, your MLB debut can always cause some nerves and a bit of erratic pitching. Especially with someone who throws as hard as Rocker, it would not be surprising at all to see him struggle with control slightly in his debut.
Kumar Rocker Over 4.5 Strikeouts
Scouts agree that Rocker is the real deal and his debut has excited many as much as Paul Skenes’ debut did. His fastball-slider combo is ridiculously good and the Mariners strike out more than any other team in baseball. The line for five strikeouts is -135, making the over 4.5 the play for this prop seem like a good play. Rocker posted a 16.2 K/9 rate in two starts in AAA, and we’ll most likely see the former Vanderbilt flamethrower pitch to some whiffs tonight.
Three-Leg SGP +300 Odds
Kumar Rocker o4.5 Strikeouts
Wyatt Langford Over 0.5 Hits
The Rangers rookie has been hitting better lately, and for slightly more power as well. He has solid numbers against Bryce Miller even though it’s in a rather small sample size. In his only at bat against Miller, Langford has a double, and a walk in his other plate appearance. Langford’s performing well lately coming off of two multi-hit games, and will undoubtedly look to stay hot tonight against a division rival.
Victor Robles Over 0.5 Hits
While Rocker may limit the hits very well in his debut start, Victor Robles is one of the tougher hitters to get out this season. Especially if you are a right handed pitcher, Robles has extremely good stats against the right side. Robles has a .308 batting average against right handed pitchers, with an .829 OPS. Even after Rocker’s start ends, Robles will be one of the toughest Seattle outs.
Additional Prop
Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees
Cooper Criswell (6-4) vs. Nestor Cortes (9-10)
Rob Refsnyder Over 1.5 Total Bases
One player known as a possible Yankee killer is former Yankee, and now Red Sox left fielder Rob Refsnyder. On the road, Refsnyder has a .304 batting average and a .360 on base percentage. Against Nestor Cortes, Refsnyder has a .500 batting average in 16 at bats. With how good he is on the road and against Cortes, taking his over total bases at plus odds seems like a solid pick today.