The Tigers baseball team will be without one of its top bullpen arms for the rest of the way as true freshman right-handed pitcher Chase Shores announced on Tuesday that his season is over after tearing his UCL.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my 2023 season has come to an end due to a UCL tear,” the Midland, Texas, native wrote in a Twitter post. “I will miss my time competing at Alex Box, but I won’t let this injury stop me from being the best teammate & supporter for my boys as we close out the season. I will be back better than ever. Geaux Tigers!”
Shores underwent Tommy John surgery last week to repair the torn ligament, according to The Advocate’s Leah Vann.
The top-ranked right-handed pitcher in the state of Texas for the 2023 signing class, Shores made seven appearances with four starts as a true freshman. In 18.1 innings pitched, he had an ERA of just 1.96. He threw 15 strikeouts while allowing nine walks.
He hasn’t appeared in a game since March 31 against Tennessee, and coach Jay Johnson hasn’t provided many updates on his condition. Now, it’s clear why that was the case.
Shores is one of the most promising arms on the team, and the 6-foot-8 player was expected to play a major role in the bullpen down the stretch. It’s a tough break for an LSU team that has dealt with quite a few injuries to the pitching staff this season.
Nate Ackenhausen returned to the field last weekend, luckily, and Garrett Edwards — arguably the most reliable arm in the bullpen — seems to be getting closer to making his return.
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Story originally appeared on LSU Tigers Wire