Part 2/9:
Rocker's slider exemplifies his resurgence. It has reached a level where evaluators have considered it an 80-grade pitch, a remarkable distinction in the baseball world, although most currently rate it at a 70. The pitch has made hitters look utterly foolish, achieving an eye-catching swinging strike rate of 40.6%. This statistic indicates that nearly half of the swings taken against his slider ended in a miss—a startling feat that hints at dominance.
Rocker's fastball complements his slider, sitting between 96 to 100 miles per hour with impressive extension—crucial for pitching success at any level. Despite some lingering doubts about his durability, which stems from prior Tommy John surgery and limited innings pitched since college, he’s re-emerged stronger than ever.