Rangers confirm Cody Bradford injury news that fans saw coming back in March

The Texas Rangers have been bombarded with news regarding injuries to their starting rotation the best month but none stings more than what was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon.

President of Baseball Operations Chris Young confirmed that left-handed pitcher Cody Bradford will indeed undergo elbow surgery after experiencing a setback in his rehab.

Bradford, 27, suffered a left elbow sprain during spring training back in March and was working his way back and the Rangers were hopeful he could make his season debut around the All-Star Break. However, the recent setback confirmed the opposite and he will miss even more time.

It is not known what exact procedure Bradford will need but he will have it on Wednesday in Arlington. He will either have full-blown Tommy John or undergo the internal brace procedure.

The former sixth-round pick back in 2019 made his MLB Debut in May 2023 and has since appeared in 34 games (21 starts) and has a 10-6 record, 4.28 ERA, 121 strikeouts and a 1.10 WHIP in 132 1/3 innings for Texas. Bradford also appeared in five games for the Rangers during their 2023 postseason run, allowing just one run in 7 2/3 innings out of the bullpen.

His career, although still early, has been interrupted by injuries more than once. After a strong start to the 2024 season, Bradford missed three months with back soreness. He also missed the 2019 season in college at Baylor after undergoing surgery for Thoracic outlet syndrome.

Bradford's elbow injury is sparking conversation among fans that has been a topic for a bit. Was Bradford needing Tommy John back in March or April and if so, why did they wait until now? Of course it's likely they were genuinely hoping he had to avoid the surgery but it begs the question.

Texas was hoping Bradford, along with Jon Gray, would join the team's sparkling rotation near the end of July or start of August and give them a fresh boost to finish off the final months of the season. But at 38-41, the Rangers are more focused on their offensive performance and if they can make a run to avoid becoming sellers when the Trade Deadline nears at the end of July.