Cody Bradford, the Rangers' left-handed pitcher, is set to return to the field in May after undergoing elbow surgery. Bradford's journey to recovery began with a procedure last June, and initial reports suggested a swift recovery, aiming for Spring Training. However, the team now anticipates a more gradual return, with Bradford targeting a minor league rehab assignment soon after the regular season's start, potentially allowing him to rejoin the MLB in May.
Bradford, a Baylor alumni, made his MLB debut in 2023 as a swing role player. Despite a challenging rookie season, he demonstrated improved performance in his second year. Unfortunately, a back injury sidelined him for the first half of the 2024 season, but he rebounded strongly upon his return, showcasing elite command and a surprising strikeout ability. With a fastball in the 89-90 MPH range and a 81 MPH changeup, Bradford kept hitters off balance, posting a 3.54 ERA and a 23% strikeout rate.
The 2025 season presented an opportunity for Bradford to secure a spot in the rotation. However, during Spring Training, he experienced elbow soreness, leading to a diagnosis of UCL damage requiring surgery. The internal brace procedure offers a shorter recovery window compared to the traditional Tommy John surgery, allowing Bradford to aim for a May return.
The Rangers' pitching depth is a concern, with an impressive top three starting pitchers in Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, and Jack Leiter. Beyond this, the team lacks consistent rotation experience, with players like Jacob Latz and Kumar Rocker facing mechanical challenges. The need for a fifth starter or swing role player is evident, and the team is considering waiting for the market to stabilize before making any additions, aiming for a cost-effective solution during Spring Training.
