The Texas Rangers' starting rotation continues to see change.
Before Tuesday's game against the Colorado Rockies, the Rangers scratched Kumar Rocker from his scheduled start. Instead, Tyler Alexander is slated to serve as the opener. While it remains unclear why Rocker was scratched, he is still expected to pitch tonight, according to MLB.com's Kennedi Landry.
Through eight starts in 2026, Rocker owns a 1-4 record with a 4.34 ERA and 1.50 WHIP across 37.1 innings. A major reason for those struggles has been his difficulty in the first inning. The 26-year-old right-hander has posted an 11.25 ERA in the opening frame this season.
Nonetheless, Rocker's scratch is just the latest development for the Rangers' pitching staff. Last night, MacKenzie Gore exited his start in Colorado after just one inning due to left lat tightness. Fortunately for Texas, Gore said he felt fine following the team's 7-6 series opening loss to the Rockies.
“I thought it was something I could probably pitch through," Gore said. "It was uncomfortable, but it wasn't a pain, like I hurt myself or anything like that. It’s frustrating for that to happen right from the get-go in the first inning. But we probably made the right move.”
While Texas remains optimistic that Gore's injury is not serious, his early departure Monday combined with Rocker's scratch today will continue to stretch the Rangers' bullpen. Texas used five relief pitchers following Gore's short outing and could once again be shorthanded tonight.
Additionally, this could mark the Rangers' third bullpen game in eight days, dating back to when Nathan Eovaldi was scratched from his May 11 start due to left side tightness.
Given Rocker's first-inning struggles, Texas may hope a different approach helps him settle into games more effectively moving forward.
The Rangers enter Tuesday tied with the AL West division rival Seattle Mariners for the final American League Wild Card spot at 22-25. Texas will look to even the series in Colorado tonight before Jack Leiter takes the mound in Wednesday's finale.
