LSU freshman Eric Walker’s 2018 season is over before it starts after being diagnosed with a tear in the ulnar collateral ligament of his right elbow. Head coach Paul Mainieri announced on Thursday that Walker will undergo Tommy John surgery next Wednesday in Arlington.
“Obviously, the news on Eric’s elbow is very disheartening,” Mainieri stated in a release from LSU. “First of all, my heart bleeds for Eric as this is not the conclusion to a wonderful freshman year that any of us envisioned. Eric was a rock all year in our weekend rotation and a vital contributor to our SEC Championship, as well as our appearance in the College World Series.”
Walker posted an 8-2 record with a 3.48 ERA in 17 starts for the Tigers before being pulled early against Oregon State during the College World Series.
This puts the Tigers at a distinct disadvantage with all three of their weekend starters not being a part of the program next season. Pitching coach Alan Dunn will need to get some work done to figure out who will be a part of this pitching rotation.
-Clint Domingue