Texas Rangers' Injured Players Progress Towards Return

0:00On March 26, the Texas Rangers head into their season opener against the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday with a clean bill of health overall. They placed just three players on the injured list while finalizing their 26-man roster. That's one each on the 10-day, 15-day, and 60-day lists, signaling some hope for quicker comebacks from a couple of them. Infielder Cody Freeman landed on the 10-day injured list with a back issue that popped up right before spring training. He's about five weeks into his recovery and already doing baseball activities. The Rangers' choice to use the shorter list suggests they think he could return well before the 60-day mark, though he'll likely need time in the minors first. Left-hander Cody Bradford went on the 15-day list after missing all of last year with an elbow surgery. He threw 25 pitches in a live batting practice session this week, and the team feels good about his progress. Those expect him back by mid-May, and he could slide into starting or relief roles depending on needs.

1:01Pitcher Jordan Montgomery's spot on the 60-day list was mostly a paperwork move to free up roster space. The Rangers signed him to a one-year deal in February, knowing his Tommy John recovery would keep him out until around mid-season. It's a familiar strategy for them after doing the same with another hurler a couple years back. With these minimal setbacks, the Rangers look well positioned to compete early, keeping a close eye on these returns to bolster the lineup as the season heats up. You've been listening to MLB News today, AI-powered baseball coverage.