Cody Bradford’s Elbow Rehab: A Timeline to Return and What It Means for the Rangers
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Texas Rangers left-hander Cody Bradford is progressing through the final stages of his recovery from internal brace surgery on his elbow. He’s on track to face hitters for the first time in almost a year by the end of next week, a significant milestone in his rehabilitation journey.
The Road Back: From Surgery to Bullpens
Bradford underwent surgery on June 5, 2025, after initial attempts to rehab what was diagnosed as an elbow strain proved unsuccessful. The surgery addressed a more significant issue, requiring an internal brace procedure. His recent progress includes a successful bullpen session on Tuesday, consisting of 55 pitches – the equivalent of three innings – and incorporating curveballs thrown from the mound for the first time. Prior to this, he had been regularly throwing the pitch during flat-ground sessions.
Live Batting Practice and a Modified Spring Training
The next step for Bradford is a live batting practice session, anticipated to occur sometime next weekend. This will effectively serve as a continuation of his spring training, with April earmarked for a rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock. Bradford expressed his satisfaction with the progress, stating that the focus has shifted from simply gauging his elbow’s response to actively executing pitches and working through counts. “Let’s pitch, not just throw,” he said.
Impact on the Rangers Rotation and Bullpen
The Rangers are looking to Bradford to provide both rotation depth and bullpen flexibility. The performance of Kumar Rocker in spring training has been inconsistent, potentially giving Jacob Latz an opportunity to compete for a rotation spot. But, the Rangers may prefer to utilize Latz as a high-leverage reliever. Bradford’s return could provide the Rangers with options: either inserting him into the rotation and moving Latz to the bullpen, or allowing Latz to continue as a starter while Bradford fills a multi-inning relief role.
The Rise of Elbow Surgery for Pitchers: A Growing Trend
Cody Bradford’s situation highlights a concerning trend in Major League Baseball: the increasing frequency of elbow injuries requiring surgery, particularly the UCL and related procedures like the internal brace. While the exact causes are multifaceted, increased velocity, year-round throwing, and the sheer physical demands of the modern game are all contributing factors.
Internal Bracing: A Modern Approach
The internal brace procedure, as Bradford underwent, is becoming increasingly common as an alternative to the traditional Tommy John surgery. It aims to stabilize the elbow while preserving the native UCL, potentially leading to a quicker recovery. However, the long-term outcomes and success rates are still being studied.
What Bradford’s Return Means for the Rangers’ Strategy
Having a versatile pitcher like Bradford available is crucial for navigating the long MLB season. His ability to contribute as both a starter and a reliever allows the Rangers’ coaching staff to adapt to changing circumstances, manage workloads effectively, and respond to injuries within the pitching staff. This flexibility is a key component of successful team building in today’s game.
FAQ
Q: What is an internal brace surgery?
A: It’s a procedure to stabilize the elbow using strong fibers to reinforce the UCL, aiming for a quicker return to play than traditional Tommy John surgery.
Q: When is Cody Bradford expected to return to the Rangers?
A: He is targeting a return in May, initially with a rehab assignment in Triple-A Round Rock.
Q: How will Bradford’s return affect the Rangers’ pitching staff?
A: He will provide depth and flexibility, potentially filling either a rotation or bullpen role depending on the performance of other pitchers.
Did you understand? The Rangers’ necessitate for pitching depth is amplified by the recent inconsistent performances of Kumar Rocker in spring training.
Pro Tip: Monitoring a player’s progress through rehab assignments is a great way to gauge their readiness for the major league level.
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