Cody Bradford is slated to start his first game for the Texas Rangers since the 2024 season, marking a comeback from elbow surgery. Manager Skip Schumaker announced the change after a 5‑4 win over San Francisco, opting for Bradford instead of another rehab outing.

Bradford, a rookie World Series champion in 2023, posted a 1‑0 record with a 1.17 ERA in five postseason relief appearances. In 2024, he went 4‑3 with a 5.30 ERA across 20 regular‑season games, including eight starts.

His return follows a season‑worst six‑game losing streak that dropped Texas from the AL West lead. The team missed adding starters at the trade deadline, leaving a thin rotation in need of fresh arms.

Alongside Bradford, the Rangers await the season debut of left‑hander Jordan Montgomery, a key piece of the championship run. Montgomery, who returned in free agency, has logged eight minor‑league starts since mid‑June with a 2.79 ERA.