The Texas Rangers made an important pitching move this week by activating left-hander Cody Bradford for the first time since he underwent internal brace surgery on his left elbow more than a year ago. To make room on the roster, the club placed left-hander MacKenzie Gore on the paternity list. The transaction brings back a pitcher the Rangers have been waiting on for months while temporarily removing one of their key starters from the rotation.
Bradford’s return is especially significant because it marks the end of a long and difficult rehabilitation process. The 28-year-old has not appeared in a major league game since Sept. 25, 2024, and Wednesday’s start against the San Francisco Giants will be his first outing in the majors since the surgery. For any pitcher, returning from an elbow procedure is a major milestone, and the Rangers will be eager to see whether Bradford can quickly regain the form he showed before the injury.
After making his major league debut in 2023, Bradford established himself as a useful part of the Rangers’ pitching staff. In 34 career appearances, including 21 starts, he has posted a 10-6 record with a 4.28 ERA. While those numbers do not place him among the elite pitchers in baseball, they reflect a dependable left-hander capable of giving quality innings and helping stabilize the back end of a rotation. His ability to throw strikes and keep games under control made him a valuable option for Texas before his elbow injury interrupted his progress.
The Rangers’ decision to start Bradford immediately suggests confidence in both his health and his readiness. The organization likely monitored his recovery closely through bullpen sessions, simulated games, and minor league rehab work before determining that he was prepared to return to major league competition. Still, the team will probably be careful with his workload as he works his way back into a regular rhythm after such a long absence.
Gore’s placement on the paternity list is expected to be temporary, but it comes during an important stretch of the season. The 27-year-old is in his first year with Texas and has gone 6-9 with a 4.55 ERA across 24 starts. Although the results have been uneven, Gore remains an important part of the Rangers’ rotation because of his durability and strikeout ability.
Over five major league seasons, Gore has compiled a 32-50 record with a 4.26 ERA in 129 appearances, including 126 starts. He has pitched for the San Diego Padres, Washington Nationals, and now the Rangers. One of the highlights of his career came last season, when he earned an All-Star selection with Washington, showing the high-end potential that once made him one of baseball’s top pitching prospects.
For Texas, this move is about both the present and the future. Bradford’s return provides a fresh arm and a chance to strengthen the rotation, while Gore’s absence is expected to be brief. If Bradford can stay healthy and contribute effectively, the Rangers could gain a meaningful boost as they continue their push through the remainder of the season.
