Texas Rangers Rookie Cody Bradford Gains Confidence
The Texas Rangers optioned Cody Bradford back to the minor leagues Monday, but the rookie’s second start in the Majors makes the trip back more memorable.
The native of Aledo just west of Fort Worth battled admirably for five solid innings in Sunday’s 3-2 loss at the Baltimore Orioles. It was a far cry from the six runs allowed in five innings his MLB debut about two weeks prior against the Atlanta Braves.
Both were spot starts for Bradford, who’s been dominant for Triple-A Round Rock this season. The first outing was made to give the regular rotation an extra day of rest, while Sunday was needed with Dane Dunning on paternity leave.
Who knows when Bradford gets another shot. But he plans to be ready.
“It only gets easier from here, I hope,” Bradford said with a smile. “I mean, I take confidence going forward here. Even with the Braves game, it didn’t go how we wanted to go, but just with the caliber of hitters that they had and still knowing that they didn’t do much damage against the fastball and when I located the changeup well, the results were acceptable. Moving forward, that just helps give me get a boost of confidence.”
Bradford, a 2019 sixth-round pick from Baylor, has been arguably the best pitcher in the Pacific Coast League this season. He leads the PCL in opponent batting average (.176) and WHIP (0.93), while ranking among the leaders in wins (T1st, 6), innings (5th, 45 1/3) and strikeouts (7th, 42).
Much like the Braves, the Orioles have an intimidating lineup. Bradford was victim to some back luck in the first, as an easy pop up was lost in the sun and fell for a hit. Baltimore scored twice in the inning, but Bradford allowed only two more hits and no runs over his final four innings.
Texas manager Bruce Bochy praised Bradford’s command, as well as his changeup and breaking stuff.
“I’m sure he was more relaxed too, and he looked it, even though the first thing was just a little rough,” Bochy said, according to MLB.com. “But, overall, I mean, the kid really showed a lot.”
The AL West-leading Rangers (33-19) open a three-game set Monday at the Detroit Tigers. Nathan Eovaldi (6-2, 2.60) goes for Texas, with Detroit starting Matthew Boyd (3-3, 5.74). First pitch is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. CT.
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