There’s a reason the Texas Rangers didn’t place left-hander Cody Bradford on the 60-day injured list to start the season: he could return to action much sooner.
Bradford, who missed all of last year after elbow surgery, threw the first game of his rehab assignment on Thursday with the Triple-A Round Rock Express.
This outing is part of his preparation for a return to the majors, whether as a starter or reliever, though he’ll likely need a few more rehab appearances before being ready.
In Thursday’s game against Gwinnett, which featured top Atlanta Braves prospects, Bradford pitched two innings, throwing 27 pitches with 17 strikes. He allowed three hits and two runs while striking out two and issuing no walks.
Notably, he faced former teammate Rowdy Tellez, retiring the side in order in the first inning. The second inning included a leadoff home run to Aaron Schunk and another home run to DaShawn Keirsey Jr., but Bradford escaped further damage.
Typically, pitchers in Bradford’s situation build up innings gradually, with one start per week increasing pitch count and innings; his next outing may target three innings and roughly 40 pitches.
Injuries have been a recurring issue for Bradford since 2024, when a low back strain sidelined him for nearly four months. He finished that season with a 6-3 record and 3.54 ERA in 14 games (13 starts), striking out 70 and walking 13 over 76.1 innings.
Bradford made his major league debut in 2023 during the Rangers’ World Series-winning season, serving as a versatile swingman.
He went 4-3 with a 5.30 ERA in 20 games (eight starts) and struck out 51 batters over 56 innings. He also contributed in the postseason, pitching 7.2 innings across five games with a 1.17 ERA, five strikeouts, and no walks.
