STWF Sports | FRISCO, Texas | July 12, 2026 — Texas Rangers left-hander Cody Bradford is expected to continue his rehabilitation assignment with the Frisco RoughRiders on Sunday afternoon when Frisco faces the Corpus Christi Hooks at Whataburger Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. as Bradford takes another step toward a potential return to the Rangers’ pitching staff. The appearance will mark the latest stage in his recovery from left elbow internal brace surgery, an injury that has kept him out of Major League Baseball action since the 2024 season.

Bradford was placed on the 15-day injured list March 25 while continuing his rehabilitation. His return to game competition represents an important development for both the pitcher and the organization as Texas evaluates his progress, workload and command.

Before the injury interrupted his career momentum, Bradford emerged as one of the Rangers’ most efficient pitchers.

Impact of Cody Bradford’s Rehabilitation on the Rangers

During the 2024 season, the Aledo native made 13 starts and posted a 3.54 ERA across 76.1 innings. He struck out 70 batters while issuing only 13 walks, displaying the control and strike-throwing ability that helped him establish a role in the major league rotation.

Bradford also recorded a 1.01 WHIP, which ranked 11th in Major League Baseball among pitchers who made at least 10 starts. His ability to limit traffic on the bases and avoid self-inflicted damage made him a dependable option for Texas.

The left-hander originally reached the majors in 2023, appearing in 20 regular-season games and making eight starts. That season became a historic one for the Rangers, who secured a postseason berth and went on to win the first World Series championship in franchise history.

Bradford played a meaningful role in that championship run.

He made five postseason appearances and allowed only one earned run over 7.2 innings. His October work included two scoreless appearances in the World Series, helping the Rangers navigate high-leverage situations on their way to the title.

Sunday’s expected outing also brings Bradford back to a familiar level within the Texas farm system.

He first pitched for Frisco in 2021, compiling a 3.89 ERA over his final seven starts of that season. Bradford then spent the entire 2022 campaign with the RoughRiders, making significant strides as a starting pitcher.

In 2022, he went 10-7 with a 5.01 ERA across 118.2 innings. Bradford struck out 124 batters and walked just 33, continuing to establish the command profile that would later become one of his defining strengths in the major leagues.

He also contributed during Frisco’s run to the 2022 Texas League championship.

Bradford delivered one of his strongest outings in Game 2 of the Division Series against the San Antonio Missions, throwing six shutout innings. He surrendered only two hits and struck out nine, helping the RoughRiders move closer to the league title.

That performance remains an important moment in his minor league career and adds another layer of significance to his return in a Frisco uniform.

Bradford’s connection to North Texas extends beyond the Rangers organization. He graduated from Aledo High School before attending Baylor University, where he developed into one of the region’s top collegiate pitchers.

Texas selected him in the sixth round of the 2019 MLB Draft, beginning a professional journey that has included a minor league championship, a major league breakthrough and a World Series title.

The focus now shifts to his health and progression.

Rehabilitation assignments are often measured by more than results, with teams closely monitoring pitch count, velocity, movement, mechanics and recovery between appearances. For Bradford, Sunday’s game offers another opportunity to build strength and confidence against live hitters.

For the RoughRiders, his appearance adds major league experience to the mound as Frisco closes its road series against Corpus Christi. For the Rangers, it could represent another encouraging step toward restoring an important member of their pitching depth.