In the young season, RHP Cody Bradford has been the Rangers’ best pitcher, and will force the organization into a tough decision.

How does one react to a standing ovation from over 30,000 spectators, especially when it’s not exactly your comfort zone? It’s a unique experience born out of success, yet it can feel isolating. As you stride back into the dugout, your image is magnified on the massive right field video board for all to see.

Cody Bradford is starting to navigate this phenomenon. With each start, he’s becoming more accustomed to it. By his next appearance at Globe Life Field, he may handle it like a seasoned professional. 

His first experience came against the Houston Astros on Friday, followed by another impressive outing against the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday. It’s been a remarkable start to the season for him.

Just don’t expect a curtain call.

“I’m not a big rah rah guy, so I’m not going to bow or anything like that,” Bradford said. “But I’ll try to give a tap of a cap when the fans are showing appreciation like that.”

They might raise their own beverages in response. Bradford, a 26-year-old southpaw, surrendered just one unearned run on five hits, one walk, and struck out seven over 6 and 2/3 innings in the Rangers’ 6-2 victory against Oakland. Before this season, Bradford had never pitched more than five innings in a single MLB game. Now, he’s achieved this feat twice in consecutive outings.