Cody Bradford is gradually working his way back from elbow surgery as the Texas Rangers left-hander prepares to increase his workload with bullpen sessions over the next two weeks, hoping to face live hitters soon if his recovery continues without setbacks.
Bradford will throw two 50-pitch bullpen sessions this week before progressing to two 55-pitch sessions next week. If everything goes well, the next stage of his recovery would involve facing live hitters during the week of March 16.
The left-hander has been recovering from elbow surgery after suffering a sprain last season that ultimately ended his 2025 campaign. The procedure, performed by team surgeon Keith Meister, was an internal brace revision designed to shorten recovery time compared to traditional Tommy John surgery.
Because Texas already has several starting pitching options, the club does not need to rush Bradford back and hopes he can return to contribute later in the season. The Rangers’ projected rotation currently includes Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, Jack Leiter, and MacKenzie Gore, while pitchers such as Kumar Rocker, Jacob Latz, and Cal Quantrill are competing for the fifth spot.
Bradford is one of two Rangers starters recovering from elbow surgery, along with Jordan Montgomery, who underwent Tommy John surgery last year after helping Texas win the World Series in 2023.
Even if he doesn’t return as a full-time starter, Bradford has proven to be valuable pitching depth for the Rangers. Since making his MLB debut in 2023, he has contributed both as a starter and reliever, including a strong 2024 season in which he posted a 6–3 record with a 3.54 ERA across 14 appearances (13 starts). ⚾
