FRISCO, Texas — The likelihood of the Texas Rangers clinching a playoff spot is slim to none. The 2023 World Series Champions are 10 games under .500, even after their win last night against the Pittsburg Pirates.
But there’s a bright spot in the team’s future when it comes to pitching. And it’s happening about 40 miles away in Frisco.
“The future of this rotation actually is looking pretty promising at this very moment,” said Sean Bass, Co-host of the Sweet Spot on Sports Radio the Ticket and host of the Rangers Post Game show Diamon Talk.
Bass is talking about the starting pitchers for the Frisco RoughRiders, Kumar Rocker, and 2x Cy Young award winner Jacob deGrom. Late Thursday evening 3x Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer was scratched from Friday’s lineup.
He has not pitched since July 30. He was scheduled to start for the RoughRiders.
Rocker pitched Wednesday night in Frisco, striking out eight batters through five innings. On Thursday, Rocker said he was happy to be back competing and felt good coming off Tommy John's surgery.
“I’m here to compete, and be the same person every day,” said Rocker. “I love to win.”
He said what’s most exciting in Frisco is having professionals like deGrom and Scherzer in the bullpen to pick their brains.
“You’re like a little kid again,” said Rocker. “Those are the guys you look up to and everything they say I listen.”
Hours before his first rehab start since his last game in April 2023, DeGrom signed autographs for fans outside the stadium.
