Chicago Cubs After signing, Rucker made his professional debut with the
Arizona League Cubs before finishing the season with the
Eugene Emeralds; in relief innings pitched between both teams, he did not give up an
earned run and was 3–0. He began 2017 with the
South Bend Cubs, and after seven relief appearances in which he compiled a 1.42 ERA, he was promoted to the
Myrtle Beach Pelicans, where he transitioned into a
starting pitcher. In 20 games (15 starts) for Myrtle Beach, he was 5–5 with a 2.51 ERA. He spent the 2018 season with the
Tennessee Smokies, going 9–6 with a 3.73 ERA in 26 starts. He returned to Tennessee to begin 2019 and was promoted to the
Iowa Cubs during the season. Over innings (pitched mainly in relief), Rucker compiled a 0–3 record with a 4.18 ERA and 93 strikeouts. On December 12, 2019, Rucker was selected by the
Baltimore Orioles in the 2019
Rule 5 draft. On March 6, 2020, the Orioles returned Rucker to the Cubs. He did not play a minor league game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season caused by the
COVID-19 pandemic. To begin the 2021 season, he was assigned to Iowa. On July 30, 2021, Chicago selected his contract and promoted him to the active roster. He made his MLB debut that night against the
Washington Nationals, throwing two innings of relief, giving up one run while recording one strikeout. With the Cubs in 2021, he pitched innings in relief with a 6.99 ERA and thirty strikeouts. On August 10, 2022, Rucker earned his first career win after tossing a scoreless seventh inning against the
Washington Nationals. He finished the year with a 3.95 ERA across 41 appearances. In 2023, Rucker pitched in 35 games for Chicago, registering a 4.91 ERA with 40 strikeouts across innings pitched. Rucker was designated for assignment by the Cubs on February 1, 2024.
Philadelphia Phillies On February 6, 2024, the Cubs traded Rucker to the
Philadelphia Phillies for cash considerations. He began the year on the injured list with a right hand
arterial vasospasm, and was transferred to the 60–day injured list on June 3. Rucker was activated from the injured list on July 26. On September 3, Rucker was designated for assignment by the Phillies.
Washington Nationals On September 6, 2024, Rucker was claimed off waivers by the
Washington Nationals. In 4 appearances for the Triple–A
Rochester Red Wings, he posted a 3.86 ERA with 3 strikeouts over innings pitched. On November 4, Rucker was removed from the 40–man roster and sent outright to Rochester, but he rejected the assignment and elected free agency.
Seattle Mariners On January 8, 2026, Rucker signed a minor league contract with the
Seattle Mariners. ==See also==