Oregon State Baseball: Kevin Abel To Have Tommy John Surgery

Beaver Nation has been waiting on news about pitcher Kevin Abel, and tonight our worst fears were confirmed; Abel will be having Tommy John surgery. It’ll be at least a year before we see Abel back on the mound.

Following last year’s incredible performance in the College World Series, Abel was expected to be the team’s top starter. However, he appeared in only three games before being pulled from the rotation. At first, reports were that he had stiffness in his back, but rumors began to build that he was suffering from soreness in his arm.

Brandon Eisert has stepped up to fill in Abel’s spot in the starting rotation, and has performed well. This has left the Beavers’ relief pitching in a bit of a state, as seen in Tuesday night’s loss to Oregon. Coach Pat Bailey may have to make some big adjustments to get this team back into championship state.