Razorbacks Get Reinforcement In Already Stacked Bullpen

Dylan Carter returns to mound 10 months after elbow surgery

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Another Razorback pitcher is making a comeback to the mound much sooner than expected. Right-hander Dylan Carter will be available Tuesday against Central Arkansas Coach Dave Van Horn announced. 

The news comes just 10 months after Carter tore his UCL, with his last appearance coming Apr. 27 against Texas A&M; a remarkably quick recovery time for Tommy John Surgery. According to the Cleveland Clinic, most people return to competition after 12-18 months. Van Horn attributes the expedited return to Carter's dedication to the rehab process. 

"When it first happened I thought he probably won’t pitch in ’24," Van Horn said.  "We’ll get him ready for ’25. But then it went really well. He looked great after the surgery. And then the rehab process throughout the summer, throughout Christmas break [went well]. I mean, he’s just really worked hard and stayed on it. He’s just accelerated everything. It’s been great." 

The Bentonville native was one of the surprises of the 2023 Razorback bullpen, quickly ascending from being hidden on the depth chart to one of Van Horn's most trusted relievers. He posted a 3.65 ERA across 16 appearances with a perfect 6-0 record and two saves before his season was cut short. 

Carter adds to a relief core that is already performing well. Across 482/3 innings pitched across the first 11 games, non-starters have compiled a 3.32 ERA. His addition gives Van Horn another arm to go to in the middle to late innings out of the bullpen. 

However, Van Horn warned that because Carter hasn't pitched in such a long time, he's going to ease him slowly back into things with no reason to push the envelope. 

"There’ll definitely be a pitch count on him and it’s probably more of an inning," Van Horn said. 

Razorback fans can see Carter for the first time when Arkansas takes on Central Arkansas 3 p.m. Tuesday inside Baum-Walker Stadium. The game will be streamed on SEC Network+. 

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