• Full name Michael Patrick Rucker
  • Born 04/27/1994 in Columbus, MS
  • Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 195 / Bats: R / Throws: R
  • School Brigham Young
  • Debut 07/30/2021
  • Drafted in the 11th round (344th overall) by the Chicago Cubs in 2016 (signed for $180,000).
    View Draft Report
    Rucker began his college career at Gonzaga before transferring to Brigham Young and sitting out the 2014 season. After spending most of his first BYU season in the bullpen, Rucker became the Cougars' Friday night starter as a redshirt junior. He posted a standout 11-1, 2.73 record, losing for the first time to Gonzaga in the conference tournament when he was outdueled by Brandon Bailey. While his stuff isn't flashy, Rucker gets results by throwing a 90-93 mph fastball, touching 96, for strikes. He has good feel for the curveball and changeup and also uses a slider. The secondary pitches are all below-average offerings. At 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, Rucker doesn't offer a lot of projection and may profile better as a future reliever but he's competitive on the mound.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Draft Prospects

Career Transactions

  • Washington Nationals recalled RHP Michael Rucker from Rochester Red Wings.
  • Rochester Red Wings activated RHP Michael Rucker.
  • Washington Nationals claimed RHP Michael Rucker off waivers from Philadelphia Phillies.
  • Washington Nationals optioned RHP Michael Rucker to Rochester Red Wings.
  • Washington Nationals reassigned RHP Michael Rucker to the minor leagues.
  • RHP Michael Rucker roster status changed by Philadelphia Phillies.
  • Philadelphia Phillies designated RHP Michael Rucker for assignment.
  • Philadelphia Phillies optioned RHP Michael Rucker to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
  • Philadelphia Phillies activated RHP Michael Rucker from the 60-day injured list.
  • Philadelphia Phillies sent RHP Michael Rucker on a rehab assignment to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
  • Philadelphia Phillies sent RHP Michael Rucker on a rehab assignment to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
  • Philadelphia Phillies sent RHP Michael Rucker on a rehab assignment to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
  • Philadelphia Phillies sent RHP Michael Rucker on a rehab assignment to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
  • Philadelphia Phillies sent RHP Michael Rucker on a rehab assignment to Reading Fightin Phils.
  • Clearwater Threshers sent RHP Michael Rucker on a rehab assignment to Reading Fightin Phils.
  • Philadelphia Phillies sent RHP Michael Rucker on a rehab assignment to Reading Fightin Phils.
  • Philadelphia Phillies sent RHP Michael Rucker on a rehab assignment to Clearwater Threshers.
  • Philadelphia Phillies sent RHP Michael Rucker on a rehab assignment to Clearwater Threshers.
  • Philadelphia Phillies transferred RHP Michael Rucker from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list. Right hand arterial vasospasm.
  • Philadelphia Phillies placed RHP Michael Rucker on the 15-day injured list retroactive to March 25, 2024. Right hand arterial vasospasm.
  • Chicago Cubs optioned RHP Michael Rucker to Iowa Cubs.
  • Chicago Cubs optioned RHP Michael Rucker to Iowa Cubs.
  • Chicago Cubs recalled RHP Michael Rucker from Iowa Cubs.
  • Chicago Cubs recalled RHP Michael Rucker from Iowa Cubs.
  • Chicago Cubs optioned RHP Michael Rucker to Iowa Cubs.
  • Chicago Cubs optioned RHP Michael Rucker to Iowa Cubs.

Download our app

Read the newest magazine issue right on your phone