Bradford to Make Season Debut in Rangers' Game Against Giants

For the first time in exactly 679 days, Cody Bradford will pitch in a Major League Baseball game.

On Wednesday afternoon, Bradford will make his first MLB appearance since Sept. 25, 2024, as he gets the start for the Rangers in their rubber match against the San Francisco Giants.

Bradford has been sidelined with a UCL injury that featured multiple recovery setbacks following internal brace surgery performed by Dr. Keith Meister.

Throughout the season, Bradford has been making rehab starts with both Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock, where he has posted a 2.25 ERA with 16 strikeouts in 12 innings.

In his most recent outing with the Express, Bradford threw 56 pitches and struck out seven batters in four innings of work.

Don’t expect Bradford to pitch deep into the game in his first start back, but after six shutout innings from MacKenzie Gore on Tuesday, the Texas bullpen is in a good spot.

Prior to the ballgame on Wednesday afternoon, the Rangers will have to make a move to get Bradford back on both the 40-man and 26-man rosters. At the time of this writing, no move has been announced.

Bradford will be opposed by Giants left-hander Carson Whisenhunt, who enters play with a 2-2 record, a 6.63 ERA, a 1.74 WHIP and 16 strikeouts in just 19 innings pitched this season.

Rangers right fielder Brandon Nimmo is the only hitter who has faced Whisenhunt before, going 0-for-3 against him.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. from Globe Life Field, where Texas could pull one game within the .500 mark and claim a series victory with a win.

For those attending the game, parking lots are slated to open at 11:30 a.m., followed by gates at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon will also mark a $1 Hot Dog Day at the ballpark.

Those not heading out to the Globe can catch all the action on Rangers Sports Network and on 105.2 The Fan on the radio side of things as usual.

Coming into play, the Rangers sit just 2.5 games back of first place in the American League West and just one game back of the AL’s final Wild Card spot.

With a win today and some help from the teams above them, Texas could be back in a postseason position by the end of today’s MLB slate