Rangers’ Jose Corniell Comes Back Strong From Elbow Surgery

Righthander Jose Corniell had a memorable MLB debut in the Rangers†season finale. He struck out the first batter he faced in a scoreless inning and was handed a three-run lead to finish off what would be his first career victory.

But the bottom fell out at Progressive Field as the Guardians scored four times in the 10th inning to clinch the American League Central with a walk-off win. Corniell walked off the mound defeated, but his 2025 was a win.

He finished his rehab from Tommy John surgery, dominated in the minor leagues and reached the majors. The 22-year-old then pitched in the Arizona Fall League.

That points to Corniell making a bigger contribution with the Rangers in 2026.

“He just seems mature beyond his years,†former Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said, “as far as pitching, good command and good secondary pitches he can throw for strikes at any time. Itâ€s important for him to get a taste for next year.â€

Corniell was injured in the spring of 2024, when he made his first appearance in Cactus League action. He was one of the surprises of camp, and Bochy expected Corniell to contribute during the regular season.

His elbow gave way, though, and he entered the difficult rehab process from Tommy John surgery. The process yielded enhanced physical strength and velocity as well as additional mental strength.

“I had to be mentally strong and come back to do what I needed to do,†Corniell said. “I think it’s helped me in the long run to be prepared for whatâ€s ahead.â€

Corniell doesnâ€t turn 23 until June. He came to the Rangers from the Mariners, who signed him from the Dominican Republic for $630,000 before trading him late in 2020 in a deal for reliever Rafael Montero.

Corniell throws three different fastballs and a changeup, but his best secondary offering is his slider. The arsenal overwhelmed minor leaguers in 2025 to the tune of a 1.89 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 38 innings across two levels.

RANGERS ROUNDUP

— Joining Corniell in the Arizona Fall League were catcher Malcolm Moore and righthanders Winston Santos and Emiliano Teodo. All three missed significant time during the season, and Santos and Teodo are members of the 40-man roster who could make their MLB debuts in 2026.

— Righthander Kumar Rocker allowed one run in 2.1 innings on Sept. 18 in his first game action in more than a month. Rocker spent more than a month reworking his mechanics after toiling with them throughout the season. He will be a candidate for the Rangers†rotation in 2026.

Source link