Pickle Juice Powers Rangers’ Rookie to Victory

Texas Rangers rookie pitcher Kumar Rocker didn’t just bring his fastball to the mound against the Chicago White Sox this past Sunday. He brought pickle juice too.

The 25-year-old right-hander was cruising through the game when trouble hit in the fifth inning. After four strong innings, Rocker suddenly felt cramps in his legs. It could have ended his night early, but Rocker had a plan.

A Strange but Smart Solution

After striking out Michael A. Taylor for the first out of the fifth inning, Rocker called for help. The Rangers’ trainer came out to the mound, along with manager Bruce Bochy and pitching coach Mike Maddux.

They spent about five minutes talking with Rocker while the infielders gathered around. During the break, first baseman Jake Burger ran to the dugout, grabbed two small bottles of pickle juice, and brought them out to the mound. Rocker quickly drank both bottles, stretched his legs, and threw warmup pitches. He even had another quick chat with the trainer before getting back to work.

The pickle juice seemed to do the trick. Rocker shook off the cramps and finished the inning without giving up a run.

"That's the most pickle juice I've ever seen someone drink," Bochy joked after the game. "It might be the pickle juice game from now on." (ESPN.com)

What’s with the Pickle Juice?

It may sound strange, but pickle juice is actually a popular trick among athletes. It contains electrolytes and sodium, which can help muscles recover and stop cramping quickly. Some experts think it works by triggering nerves that help muscles relax.

Rocker has used this method before and says it helps him stay on the field when cramps strike.

Big Night for Rocker

Thanks to the juice and his strong pitching, Rocker threw five shutout innings and earned his second MLB win. The Rangers held on for a 2-1 victory, finishing a sweep of the White Sox.

It was a big moment for Rocker, who had just been called up from Triple-A before the game. He proved he belonged, and he did it with a little help from a very sour secret.

So next time you're watching baseball and see someone reach for a drink in the dugout, don’t be surprised if it’s not water or Gatorade. It might just be pickle juice.