Watch: Rangers’ Kumar Rocker seals first MLB strikeout with 97 mph fastball in Seattle

Kumar Rocker can officially check “post an MLB strikeout” off his career to-do list.

Despite surrendering two early singles in his first Texas Rangers start, the touted prospect stayed composed while facing Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh. The at-bat started with a 2-0 count, then Rocker gradually regained momentum.

With Raleigh facing a full count, Rocker sealed his first major-league highlight with a 97-mile-per-hour fastball. The broadcast camera quickly panned to Rocker’s celebrating parents, Tracy and Lalitha, in the stands.

The right-hander wasn’t done yet, as he also struck out Randy Arozarena before the first inning ended with a lineout from Seattle’s Luke Raley. Josh Jung came in to provide some run support with a one-run homer in the top of the second.

Rocker was added to the Rangers’ 40-man roster after an impressive stretch in the minor leagues. In seven starts at Double-A and Triple-A after 14 months of elbow surgery recovery, Rocker had compiled a 0.91 ERA in 29⅔ innings while allowing hitters a .128/.160/.216/.376 slash line.

Rocker, 24, has dominated opponents unlike any Rangers prospect of recent vintage, perhaps more dominant than any pitching prospect in baseball in some time.

The Rangers selected Rocker with the third overall pick in the 2022 MLB draft, a year after he was picked 10th by the Mets.

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