ARLINGTON, Texas – In a game that felt like a small victory for a team fighting to stay relevant in the playoff race, the Texas Rangers got a much-needed boost from an unexpected source. Left-hander Cody Bradford, who hadn’t pitched in a major league game since September 2024, returned to the mound Wednesday and delivered 4 1/3 gritty innings, helping the Rangers shut out the San Francisco Giants 6-0 at Globe Life Field.

Bradford’s comeback was a long time coming. The 28-year-old underwent elbow surgery in June 2025, and his absence stretched to 679 days. He wasn’t sharp from the start, but he was effective. Bradford allowed five hits and two walks, working around traffic in every inning except the third. He threw 70 pitches, mixing his fastball and changeup to keep the Giants off balance. The left-hander, who went 10-6 with a 4.28 ERA over the 2023-24 seasons and made five postseason relief appearances during Texas’s 2023 World Series run, showed the resilience that made him a valuable piece of the Rangers’ rotation.

Texas broke the game open in the third inning against Giants left-hander Carson Whisenhunt. The Rangers sent eight batters to the plate, scoring four runs. Justin Foscue, a rookie infielder, delivered the biggest blow with a two-run triple to right-center field – his first career three-base hit. Wyatt Langford followed with an RBI double, and Elias Díaz added another double to drive in a run. That was more than enough support for Bradford and the bullpen.

Whisenhunt struggled mightily, allowing five of the first six batters he faced a second time to reach base. The 2022 third-round pick has now surrendered 14 earned runs in 11 2/3 innings over his last three starts, raising questions about his spot in the rotation. He was pulled after 3 2/3 innings, charged with four runs on five hits and three walks.

Brandon Nimmo padded the Rangers’ lead in the fifth inning, slicing a solo homer down the left-field line off reliever Carson Seymour. Nimmo finished with two RBIs, giving Texas a comfortable cushion.

Tyler Alexander came on in relief of Bradford with two outs in the fifth and two runners on base. He retired the only batter he faced to end the inning, then pitched a scoreless sixth and seventh, striking out three. Alexander earned his second win of the season, improving to 2-2.

The Giants’ offensive woes continued. San Francisco stranded 11 runners on base and went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position. They fell to 48-67, 19 games below .500 for the first time this season, and have lost seven consecutive road series. The Rangers, meanwhile, improved to 57-58, winning the final two games of the series after dropping Monday’s opener – their season-worst sixth straight loss. Texas, which led the AL West by two games on July 28, now trails first-place Houston by 1 1/2 games.

Wednesday’s shutout was Texas’s 10th of the season, while San Francisco was blanked for the 11th time. The Rangers will host the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, with right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (10-9, 4.31 ERA) taking the mound. The Giants have not announced a starter for their Friday home game against the Detroit Tigers.

For Bradford, the outing was a personal milestone. He had not pitched in a game that counted since September 2024, and his return was a testament to his determination. “It felt good to be back out there,” Bradford said afterward. “I’ve been working hard to get back to this point. The team needed a win, and I’m glad I could contribute.” Though his command was not flawless, his ability to pitch through traffic and keep the Giants off the scoreboard gave the Rangers a lift they desperately needed.

The win also kept Texas within striking distance of the division lead. With two months left in the season, the Rangers are hoping that Bradford’s return can provide a spark, both in the rotation and in the clubhouse. For now, they’ll take the shutout and the momentum.