Arkansas endures minor setback to pitching rotation

Razorbacks will lack an arm at the mound to begin season with Hunter Dietz out

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas will need to alter the pitching rotation a tad as Hunter Dietz will miss the beginning of the season, per Kendall Rogers of D1 Baseball. Dietz went through a minor procedure following fall ball. The team expects to have him back during the spring.

At 6-6, 225 pounds, the left handed pitcher is considered the No. 141-ranked prospect for the 2024 MLB Draft. Dietz throws with exceptional heat with a fastball in the low-to-mid 90s range.

Dietz was one bright spots during the fall showcase. He played in six games, starting four while compiling a 5.63 ERA in eight innings of work. The freshman faced 25 batters, striking out 13 and walked eight. The Florida native was hardly hittable tying for a team-low two hits given up.

The Razorbacks have a history of losing likely contributors to injury before the season begins. Jaxson Wiggins was expected to be Arkansas’ ace pitcher last season before having Tommy Johns surgery to repair a torn elbow ligament. 

Arkansas also lost three pitchers last season. Key closer Brady Tygart was out for an extended period. Former Nebraska transfer Koty Frank tore his lat against Wright State but is expected to be in the pitching rotation this spring. Emerging right handed star Dylan Carter tore his UCL against Texas A&M.

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