How Will Ole Miss Replace LHP Xavier Rivas in 2024?

The Ole Miss Rebels have a new hole to fill on their pitching rotation with Xavier Rivas out for the 2024 season, so who will Mike Bianco look to on opening day?

OXFORD, Miss. -- The Ole Miss Rebels have taken a big blow to their pitching rotation less than two weeks from opening day, as senior LHP Xavier Rivas reportedly suffered a torn UCL during last Friday's intrasquad game, effectively ending his 2024 campaign before it could even begin.

Rivas, a former transfer out of Indianapolis, recorded a 6.35 ERA over the course of 68 innings pitched, and struck out 69 men in the process last season for the Rebels. Ole Miss' pitching staff will have to step up even more in 2024, as the Rebels will be without Rivas and LHP Hunter Elliott. Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco will now have to find a new Friday night starter less than two weeks from opening day.

Losing Rivas hurts, but that means it is time for the next man up to take the mound. But who will be stepping up? Obviously, nothing official has been released, so I will take a stab at guessing Bianco's replacement below.

When I first heard the news on Rivas, my brain immediately went to sophomore RHP Grayson Saunier. The 6-foot-4, 210-pounder appeared in 12 games last spring, and started in each one. Saunier registered a 2-4 record with 6.84 ERA and 52 strikeouts over 46 innings of work as a true freshman. 

Rebels LHP Xavier Rivas Tears UCL, Out For 2024 Season

Saunier went through his rough patches in 2023, but his location was the only real issue, as there is no denying he has MLB-level stuff. Saunier was more than likely going to be the Saturday option for weekend series this season, so moving his start up a day feels all but inevitable. I believe that a full offseason with Bianco's staff has Saunier locked in and ready to go for 2024.

Ole Miss is set to open the 2024 season with a four-game series versus the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors starting on Friday Feb. 16 in Honolulu. First pitch is set for 10:35 p.m. CT on Friday night, and fans will be able to stream the matchup on Spectrum Sports.