Cody Bradford struggles with fastball command in Rangers loss to Athletics

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Cody Bradford allowed five runs on three home runs during a 9-2 loss against the Oakland Athletics at Globe Life Field on Wednesday. The 28-year-old left-hander struggled with the location of his 89-90 mph four-seam fastball, which led to consecutive home runs by Henry Bolte and Zack Gelof in the third inning and a second home run by Bolte in the fourth. Bradford, who is in his sixth start since returning from elbow surgery, acknowledged that his fastball has developed unintended movement and is landing higher in the strike zone than in previous seasons. He was replaced by Robby Ahlstrom to begin the fifth inning. Bradford stated he intends to focus his bullpen work on refining his command to return to his previous form.

• 10:38 PMYahoo Sports — Rangers' Cody Bradford still searching for pinpoint command that got him to big leagues