Cody Bradford hit hard, but cherishes MLB debut with Rangers

(AP photo/Gareth Patterson)

ARLINGTON — The Rangers didn’t do Cody Bradford any favors Monday for his MLB debut.

The only tougher test he have faced, at least according to run differential, would have been the Tampa Bay Rays or the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Instead, he drew the Atlanta Braves, who entered Monday fourth in run differential behind the Rays, the Rangers and the Dodgers. The Braves showed their offensive might in the opener of a three-game series.

They scored six times in five innings against Bradford, including four in the second inning on two two-run homers, en route to 12-0 victory at Globe Life Field.

Bradford had allowed only four runs in 39 1/3 innings at Triple A Round Rock, but he had never faced anything like the Braves. But one pitching truth is the same no matter the level: If you make bad pitches, they’re going to get hit hard.