In a recent matchup at Globe Life Field, Texas Rangers pitcher Cody Bradford faced significant challenges with his command during a game against the Oakland Athletics on September 2, 2026. The left-handed pitcher, who has been working hard to regain his form after undergoing elbow surgery, struggled to find the pinpoint accuracy that once defined his game.
Bradford's performance was marked by a disappointing outing where he allowed five runs, all of which came from home runs. The Rangers ultimately fell to the Athletics with a score of 9-2, a result that dashed their hopes for a series sweep. This game marked Bradford's sixth start since returning from surgery, and the struggles with his four-seam fastball were evident.
During the third inning, Bradford surrendered back-to-back home runs to Athletics players Henry Bolte and Zack Gelof, both of which were hit off his fastball that was left over the plate. He would later allow another solo home run to Bolte in the fourth inning, prompting the Rangers to replace him with Robby Ahlstrom at the start of the fifth inning.
In the early part of this season, Bradford has faced difficulties, with hitters achieving a .362 batting average against his four-seam fastball in his first five starts. This is a stark contrast to his last healthy season in 2024, where opponents managed only a .185 average against the same pitch. The difference in performance highlights the challenges Bradford is currently facing as he attempts to regain his previous command.
Bradford himself has noted that his fastball seems to have a different movement than before, describing it as having a "little cut ride" and landing higher in the strike zone. He acknowledged that it is not uncommon for pitchers to require an adjustment period following significant elbow surgery. However, he remains focused on addressing the command issues that have plagued him lately.
"You can chase the movement and try and change the movement," Bradford explained. "That’s going to be harder to chase than just command. The command for me is the lowest-hanging fruit. It’s something that I’ve been working on in bullpens, aiming for what I’d call below the glove, or what I want to hit right now." This determination to refine his command could be crucial for Bradford as he seeks to stabilize his performance and contribute effectively to the Rangers' rotation.
As the season progresses, the Rangers will hope that Bradford can find his rhythm and return to the form that earned him a spot in the major leagues. His ability to command the fastball will be essential for the team's success as they navigate the remainder of the season.
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