The Injury Update: The Most Recent Information on Chase Shores of LSU Baseball Before the 2025 Season

Chase Shores, a highly touted right-handed pitcher for LSU Baseball, has had quite a journey since he arrived in Baton Rouge. As one of the most promising arms in the Tigers’ arsenal, Shores entered the 2023 season with high expectations. However, a series of events led to his injury that would sideline him for much of his career at LSU. As the 2025 season approaches, there’s renewed hope and anticipation surrounding Shores’ potential return. Here, we’ll look in-depth at the timeline of Chase Shores’ career, his injury, and his prospects for 2025.

Early Career: A Rising Star

Chase Shores, a 6-foot-8, 252-pound pitcher, came to LSU as a highly regarded recruit from Weatherford, Texas. His size and stuff caught the attention of scouts and college baseball programs long before he made his collegiate debut. Shores’ fastball, consistently clocking in at 95-97 mph, paired with a sharp slider and developing changeup, made him one of the top pitching prospects in the nation. His velocity and pitch mechanics suggested that he had the potential to be a game-changing talent in the SEC, one of the most competitive conferences in college baseball.

He arrived at LSU as part of a loaded recruiting class and quickly demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level. Shores’ early outings were impressive, showcasing a fastball that could overwhelm hitters and a slider that was capable of getting swings and misses. It was clear that Shores had all the tools necessary to become a key contributor for the Tigers’ pitching staff in his freshman season.

The 2023 Season: A Promising Start

In the 2023 season, Chase Shores made an immediate impact. Over his first few appearances, he displayed why so many were excited about his potential. With a 1.96 ERA in 18.1 innings, Shores was off to a stellar start, and he had established himself as one of the team’s most reliable arms out of the bullpen. His ability to mix speeds and locate pitches was already on display, and he showed tremendous promise as a freshman.

One of his more notable performances came in a game against Tennessee, where Shores faced off against one of the most potent offenses in college baseball. On that day, Shores was dominating. He was sitting comfortably in the mid-to-upper 90s with his fastball and was getting swing-and-miss results on his slider. Everything seemed to be falling into place for the young pitcher. However, in the latter part of his outing, Shores began to experience discomfort in his elbow.

The Injury: The Setback

After that outing against Tennessee, Shores’ elbow pain persisted, and it became clear that something wasn’t right. The team’s medical staff conducted an evaluation, and it was determined that Shores was dealing with a significant elbow issue. The diagnosis was grim: Shores had suffered an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his elbow, which required Tommy John surgery. This was a crushing blow not only for Shores but also for LSU, as the team had high hopes for him as a key piece in their pitching rotation for the season.

Tommy John surgery is one of the most common procedures for baseball players who experience UCL injuries, but it also comes with a lengthy recovery period. For Shores, this meant that he would be sidelined for the remainder of the 2023 season, as well as the entirety of the 2024 season. The injury marked a turning point in Shores’ career, and the road ahead would be long and uncertain. However, the Tigers’ coaching staff remained optimistic, knowing that Shores had the potential to return even stronger after his rehabilitation.

The Rehabilitation Process

Rehabilitation after Tommy John surgery is a grueling and time-consuming process. Players typically face a 12-18 month recovery timeline, depending on various factors such as the severity of the injury, the success of the surgery, and the player’s commitment to their rehab program. Shores’ recovery process was no different, as he was required to spend significant time on the sidelines to focus on getting his arm and body back to full strength.

During his rehab, Shores remained dedicated to the process. LSU head coach Jay Johnson has praised Shores for his discipline and commitment to his physical recovery. Shores didn’t just focus on his arm during this time—he also worked diligently on improving his overall physical condition. His strength in the weight room increased significantly, and his conditioning was a point of emphasis in order to ensure that when he was ready to return, he would be in the best shape possible.

Reports from the LSU training staff and coaching staff suggested that Shores was working hard both on and off the field. His fastball velocity, a key component of his game, was reported to be consistently in the 98 mph range during his bullpen sessions. This was a sign that Shores had not only recovered but was potentially in line to return with even more velocity than before. Additionally, his slider showed noticeable improvements, which was a positive development for a pitcher whose secondary pitches would be vital in his success at the college level.

The Road to Recovery: 2024

As the 2024 season progressed, LSU fans anxiously awaited any update on Shores’ recovery. While the team was fully aware that Shores wouldn’t be able to contribute in 2024, there was hope that his rehab would progress smoothly enough for him to make a full return for the 2025 season. Throughout 2024, Shores was a fixture at LSU’s practices and bullpen sessions, constantly working on his mechanics, pitch execution, and conditioning. His perseverance paid off, as Shores’ recovery continued to show positive signs. Though he wasn’t able to take the mound in a competitive game, it was clear that he was getting closer to the point where he could rejoin the team.

From a mental perspective, the rehab process can be just as challenging as the physical aspects. For a player like Shores, who had shown so much promise early in his career, the frustration of being sidelined for such an extended period was undoubtedly difficult. However, Shores remained focused, motivated by the goal of returning to form and contributing to LSU’s pursuit of another national championship. LSU’s coaching staff and medical team kept Shores focused on the long-term picture, knowing that his recovery would eventually pay off in a big way for the Tigers.

The 2025 Season: A New Beginning

As the 2025 season draws near, there’s palpable excitement surrounding Shores’ potential return. After more than a year of recovery and rehab, Shores is expected to be back on the mound for LSU and could play a pivotal role in the team’s pitching rotation. His combination of size, power, and pitch repertoire could make him a dominant force in the SEC and potentially an MLB prospect if he continues to develop as expected.

For LSU head coach Jay Johnson, the return of Shores is a critical component of the team’s 2025 plans. Johnson has spoken highly of Shores’ work ethic and commitment to his recovery, noting that the pitcher has done everything possible to get back to full strength. Johnson also mentioned how Shores’ return would provide a much-needed boost to LSU’s pitching staff, which had a solid season in 2024 but would be even more formidable with Shores back in the mix.

The expectation for Shores in 2025 is high, but the Tigers are taking a cautious approach to ensure that he’s fully ready to contribute at the highest level. Shores will likely ease back into action, but when he does take the mound, he will be an important piece of LSU’s pursuit of an NCAA title. LSU fans and college baseball enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting his return, as Shores represents one of the most intriguing comeback stories in recent memory.

What Lies Ahead: Expectations and Goals

As Shores reenters the fold in 2025, expectations will be high, but the key for him will be staying healthy and continuing to refine his pitching. If Shores can maintain his velocity, further improve his slider, and stay healthy, there’s no reason why he can’t become one of the top pitchers in college baseball once again. His size and stuff give him a unique advantage, and with a full season of healthy competition, Shores could elevate his stock for future professional opportunities, whether it be in Major League Baseball or through another professional avenue.

Beyond his individual goals, Shores will undoubtedly be motivated by the team’s objectives. LSU is one of the most storied programs in college baseball, and the Tigers are always in the hunt for championships. Shores will play a key role in helping the team achieve its goals, contributing to what could be a special season for the Tigers in 2025.

In conclusion, Chase Shores’ journey has been one marked by both promise and adversity. From his early success in 2023 to his difficult injury and rehab process, Shores has shown resilience and dedication to returning to form. As the 2025 season approaches, the LSU Tigers and their fans are hopeful that Shores can regain the form that made him one of the most exciting pitching prospects in college baseball. With his power arm and improved secondary pitches, Shores is poised to make a significant impact on the mound and help propel LSU to new heights in 2025. The road to recovery has been long, but for Chase Shores, the future is incredibly bright.