Former Vanderbilt Commodores baseball star Kumar Rocker, draft-eligible again, had September shoulder surgery, sources say

Former Vanderbilt star Kumar Rocker underwent shoulder surgery in September, receiving what his agent called “a minor scope” on his right arm, sources familiar with the procedure told ESPN.

Rocker, the 10th overall pick in the 2021 draft, did not sign with the New York Mets after the team balked at the condition of his pitching arm. Now 22 and again draft-eligible, Rocker has steadily climbed teams’ boards over the past month after regularly hitting 98 mph with his fastball in a dominant five-game stint with the Tri-City ValleyCats of the independent Frontier League.

“We have a very clear understanding, after a minor scope, of Kumar’s medically documented health, which has allowed him to perform at the highest levels,” said Scott Boras, Rocker’s agent.

Earlier in the week, MLB clubs were provided with notes on the procedure, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, but there was not an MRI or any imaging included. Rocker is expected to again go in the first round in the July 17 draft. In a draft short on pitching, Rocker’s combination of pedigree and the stuff he showed with Tri-City could compel teams to consider him far earlier than they were in recent months.