It's been a journey for Texas Rangers right-hander Kyle Cody. Drafted by the Rangers in 2016, Cody won the Rangers Minor League Pitcher of the Year award a year later in 2017.
Then, in March 2018, an elbow strain for Cody prompted Tommy John surgery, ending his 2018 and 2019 seasons.
Add the shortened COVID-19 2020 season to the mix where Cody didn't get a minor league season (pitched in eight Major League games).Then in 2021 his season ended due to shoulder inflammation, ultimately ending in shoulder surgery at the end of September, cutting the first portion of 2022's season too, and Cody has had some tough luck staying on the mound.
Now he is back with the Rangers in camp this spring on a mission to make the club, but is also soaking in spring training.
"I feel really good," Cody told me. "It's more of enjoyment to be back because of the situation I've been in. [My] arm feels good, [my] body feels good, [and] really excited to be back."
In past seasons, his camp was about either being shut down or recovering from injuries. Entering 2023, there was an unknown factor on what to expect physically.
"I really didn't know how to gauge how I was going to feel. I just wanted to take it head on and take it as I never had that year off."
While the rehab process took a toll on the righty physically, it also presented challenges mentally. For the difficulty, it was a collective effort among the Rangers organization, but for Cody, more so, it was his family and his wife Courtney that showed immense support.
"They were there with me every single day of it, and they knew what I was thinking and helped me get through it to the next step," Cody said.
Cody's first three outings in Spring Training were masterful. He faced the minimum each time, totaling two strikeouts. However, on Monday against the Rockies, Cody reached a rough patch. A hit-by-pitch and a walk created a mess that ended with a three-run home run. It was the first runs allowed by him this Spring.
Cody told me that this spring training is about taking a step back and letting what happens happen.
"I felt like I got too ahead of myself and was trying to show myself too much, but this camp, I have taken a step in whatever happens. I want to be healthy and be available and help the team out any way I can," he said.
On Monday, Cody hit 92-93 MPH on his fastball, which is one to two miles per hour less than his average in 2021 before Tommy John surgery. However, location is more of a concern for Ranger manager Bruce Bochy than the velocity of his fastball.
"They'll get stronger as the Spring goes, but 92-93 works if you have command," Bochy said.
If the Rangers decide to place Cody on the Opening Day roster, they'll need to make a 40-man move, as he is not on the active 40-man roster.
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