Texas A&M pitcher Josh Stewart will undergo an MRI after sustaining an injury, with concerns regarding his availability for upcoming games.

In what has been a promising start to the 2025 season for Texas A&M baseball, the Aggies were hit with a concerning setback as one of their most reliable pitchers, Josh Stewart, suffered an injury during the team’s latest game. The injury, which occurred on a routine throw during the middle innings, has raised serious questions about his availability for upcoming games, and the coaching staff, fans, and teammates are anxiously awaiting the results of an MRI.

Josh Stewart, a key member of the Texas A&M pitching rotation, has been one of the team’s standout performers in the early part of the season. His consistency on the mound has played a significant role in the Aggies’ success, making this injury all the more worrying for the team. Stewart’s injury not only puts his personal development at risk but also creates potential gaps in a pitching staff that has already had to deal with some uncertainties early on.

As the Aggies prepare to face some tough competition in the coming weeks, the prospect of losing Stewart for any significant amount of time would be a blow to their hopes for continued success. In this piece, we’ll break down what we know about Stewart’s injury, examine the potential impact on Texas A&M’s rotation, and discuss the steps the team is taking to mitigate the damage while they await the MRI results.

Josh Stewart: A Vital Piece of Texas A&M’s Pitching Staff

Josh Stewart is no stranger to success on the mound. A standout pitcher for the Aggies, Stewart has developed into a key piece of their starting rotation. Known for his ability to generate strikeouts, keep hitters off-balance with a mix of fastballs, sliders, and curveballs, and maintain composure in high-pressure situations, Stewart has emerged as a cornerstone of the Aggies’ pitching staff in 2025.

His performance so far this season had been outstanding. Stewart had a team-leading ERA of 1.80, with 35 strikeouts and just 7 walks in his first 25 innings. His ability to go deep into games and keep his pitch count manageable had made him a reliable workhorse for the Aggies, and he was expected to continue this role as the season progressed.

When news broke of his injury, it sent a ripple of concern throughout the Texas A&M program. Stewart’s presence on the mound had been an anchor for the Aggies’ pitching staff, which had otherwise been in a state of flux due to injuries to other pitchers and the continued development of younger arms. Losing Stewart at such a critical juncture in the season could drastically impact Texas A&M’s ability to stay competitive in what is already a tough conference and non-conference schedule.

The Injury: What Happened to Josh Stewart?

The injury occurred during a game against a tough opponent when Stewart, pitching in the fourth inning, made an awkward throw after a ground ball was hit back to him. He immediately grimaced, clutching his throwing arm as he jogged toward first base to cover the bag. The Texas A&M medical staff rushed out to evaluate him, and after a few moments of testing, Stewart was removed from the game.

The initial signs of discomfort suggested a possible strain or injury to his arm, though specifics were unclear at that point. While Stewart attempted to continue pitching earlier in the season despite some mild discomfort, this injury seemed to be more serious. The fact that he was pulled from the game so quickly indicated that this was something the medical staff considered worth immediate attention.

Since the game, Texas A&M’s coaching staff and trainers have been working to assess the severity of Stewart’s injury, and it was decided that an MRI would be necessary to gain more clarity. The MRI will provide a detailed image of Stewart’s arm and shoulder, allowing doctors to pinpoint any potential muscle strains, ligament tears, or other damage that may have occurred during the incident.

The MRI results are expected to provide insight into whether Stewart will require surgery, rest, or physical therapy to recover. At this point, there is no official timeline for his return, and it remains to be seen how long he will be out of action, if at all. The uncertainty surrounding the injury has created a sense of tension within the team, as they eagerly await further details on Stewart’s condition.

Impact on Texas A&M’s Pitching Staff and Rotation

Josh Stewart’s injury poses a significant challenge to Texas A&M’s pitching depth, especially given how integral he has been to the team’s success this season. His absence could force coach Jim Schlossnagle to make adjustments to the rotation and bullpen, and the ripple effects could be felt across the Aggies’ pitching staff.

Stewart’s role as a reliable starter has provided stability in a rotation that has faced its fair share of questions. Texas A&M had already been dealing with some inconsistency from other pitchers, and Stewart’s injury only adds another layer of uncertainty. The Aggies now have to consider who will fill his spot in the rotation, and whether the team can maintain its momentum without one of its most trusted arms.

One possible option is to move Bryce Wilkerson into the starting rotation. Wilkerson has shown flashes of brilliance in relief, but he has not been as consistent as Stewart. Moving him into a more prominent role could help stabilize the rotation but would also require Wilkerson to adjust his pitching strategy and workload.

Alternatively, coach Schlossnagle could opt to promote Tyler Palmer, a younger pitcher who has had solid performances out of the bullpen. While Palmer has potential, this could be a risky move, as he has not faced the same level of competition that Stewart has. The decision could hinge on how confident Schlossnagle and the coaching staff are in Palmer’s ability to perform under pressure.

In addition to adjusting the rotation, the Aggies’ bullpen will also have to step up in Stewart’s absence. If Stewart is unable to return quickly, Texas A&M’s bullpen will need to absorb additional innings and maintain its high level of performance. Jared Schaefer, Tyler Geyer, and other key bullpen arms will likely see more action in the coming weeks, and they will need to stay sharp to prevent the bullpen from becoming overworked or fatigued.

What’s Next for Texas A&M?

While the MRI results will be the determining factor in how quickly Stewart can return, Texas A&M is already preparing for the worst-case scenario. With a tough slate of games on the horizon, the Aggies will need to find ways to adapt and continue to compete, even if Stewart’s absence turns out to be a prolonged one.

Coach Schlossnagle will likely emphasize the need for resilience and next-man-up mentality within the team. Texas A&M’s hitters will need to continue their strong offensive output, putting more pressure on opposing pitchers and relieving some of the burden on the pitching staff. The team has shown it can hit with power and consistency, and maintaining that offensive prowess will be key as the pitching staff deals with this temporary setback.

In addition, Schlossnagle and the coaching staff will likely increase their focus on bullpen management, ensuring that arms like Wilkerson, Schaefer, and Palmer remain sharp and able to handle increased workloads if necessary. They may also look to younger pitchers within the program to see if anyone can step up and contribute in the long run.

The Aggies will also need to address their depth, ensuring that any pitchers in the rotation or bullpen can perform at a high level if needed. Having depth and flexibility will be essential to weathering any storm caused by Stewart’s injury.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Recovery and a Challenging Schedule

As Texas A&M anxiously awaits Josh Stewart’s MRI results, the team is faced with the immediate challenge of continuing its successful start to the 2025 season without one of its top pitchers. While this injury is a significant setback, it also serves as an opportunity for the rest of the pitching staff to prove their worth.

In the coming weeks, the Aggies will face several tough opponents in conference play, and their pitching staff will be tested even further. If Stewart is unable to return soon, Texas A&M will need to dig deep and rely on the depth of its roster to keep the team in contention for a postseason spot.

While the uncertainty surrounding Stewart’s injury looms large, Texas A&M’s baseball program has shown time and time again that it has the talent and resilience to overcome challenges. With a deep roster, capable pitchers, and a coaching staff that knows how to adapt, the Aggies will look to rally together and continue to make noise in the highly competitive SEC.

Whether Stewart’s injury proves to be a temporary setback or a longer-term issue, the Aggies will be ready to face the challenge head-on, keeping their eyes on the ultimate goal of postseason success. For now, the team waits for the MRI results and prepares for the next chapter in a season that, while uncertain, is far from over.