News - Bradford Returns to Roads as Rangers Face Angels

Cody Bradford is set to end a long break from away games as he pitches for the Texas Rangers against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim. Bradford, whose last away game was in September 2024, during the Rangers' victory over the Athletics before they relocated, has faced a challenging period following surgery. Since his recovery, Bradford has made an impressive return with a performance against the Giants, leaving the game after 4 1/3 scoreless innings. Although he did not qualify for the win, Bradford's excitement for his return is evident, treating the occasion with the thrill of a debut. Reflecting on his impactful rookie year, where he significantly contributed to the Rangers' World Series win with an impressive 1.17 ERA, Bradford aims to boost the Rangers' playoff prospects, who are trailing slightly in the highly competitive American League West. On the other hand, the Angels are eager to play spoiler with Ryan Johnson, a promising right-hander, hoping to disrupt the Rangers' postseason hopes. After a promising win against the Orioles, Johnson is ready to face his hometown team. However, the Angels are dealing with a challenging streak following their recent 4-1 defeat. In their previous matchup, a notable moment was Mike Trout reaching a career milestone home run, despite the Angels' struggle to make further progress in the game. Manager Kurt Suzuki acknowledged the team's difficulties in maintaining batting consistency against Texas' pitching. As Bradford prepares to take the mound, he represents the persistence and hope of the Rangers, who are aiming for a playoff spot, while the Angels strive to improve their fortunes.