Texas RHP Tanner Witt will miss extended time due to injury – Burnt Orange Nation

The Texas Longhorns baseball team is facing a major setback, as their talented right-handed pitcher, Tanner Witt, has been ruled out for an extended period due to a serious injury. The announcement, made by head coach David Pierce and the team’s medical staff, has sent shockwaves through the Longhorns’ program and fanbase. Witt, who had been one of the team’s most highly anticipated pitchers for the 2025 season, was poised to lead the Texas rotation as one of the top arms in college baseball. Now, with Witt sidelined for an indefinite period, the Longhorns must adjust their pitching staff and plan for life without one of their key players.

Witt’s injury is particularly devastating as it comes at a crucial point in the season. With conference play intensifying and postseason aspirations on the line, Texas faces a difficult road ahead. While the team has strong pitching depth, replacing a talent like Witt, who has the potential to be a first-round MLB draft pick, is no easy task. This article will explore the details surrounding Witt’s injury, its impact on the Longhorns’ season, and how the team plans to move forward.

Who is Tanner Witt?

Before delving into the injury, it’s important to understand who Tanner Witt is and why his loss is so significant for Texas. Witt, a right-handed pitcher, was a highly ranked prospect coming out of high school, and he quickly made a name for himself after joining the Longhorns. Known for his electric fastball that can touch the upper 90s, along with a devastating curveball and a solid changeup, Witt was regarded as one of the best pitching prospects in college baseball.

Over the past two seasons, Witt had emerged as a key figure in the Texas pitching staff, often taking on the role of a weekend starter and performing well in high-leverage situations. His ability to get strikeouts, manage hitters, and maintain composure in tough situations made him one of the premier pitchers in the Big 12 Conference. By his junior year, Witt had developed into a future MLB prospect with the potential to be a top-tier starting pitcher at the next level.

Heading into the 2025 season, Witt was widely expected to be the ace of the Longhorns’ rotation. His leadership on and off the field, combined with his impressive skill set, made him the centerpiece of Texas’ pitching plans. With high expectations surrounding him, Witt was seen as a potential top-10 pick in the upcoming MLB Draft. His development over the course of the season would be closely monitored by scouts, coaches, and fans alike.

The Injury: What Happened?

Witt’s injury occurred during a routine bullpen session in early March, just as the Longhorns were preparing for an important series against a major non-conference opponent. Initially, Witt reported feeling some discomfort in his throwing arm, specifically in his elbow. While pitchers are no strangers to occasional soreness, the pain that Witt experienced during his warm-up session was different from typical fatigue. The team’s medical staff quickly intervened, and after additional tests, it was revealed that Witt had suffered a significant injury to his elbow, likely involving a tear to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL).

The UCL is a crucial ligament for pitchers, as it provides stability to the elbow during throwing motions. A UCL tear is often the precursor to Tommy John surgery, which typically requires a year of recovery and rehabilitation. Although it hasn’t been officially confirmed, many experts believe Witt may need surgery to repair the tear, which would sideline him for the remainder of the season and potentially extend into the 2026 season. However, the Longhorns are still awaiting further results and discussing their options with medical professionals to determine the best course of action for Witt’s recovery.

As a result of the injury, Witt has been placed on the injured list, and his status for the rest of the season remains uncertain. This injury comes at a time when Texas is gearing up for Big 12 play, and Witt’s absence could have major ramifications for the team’s pitching rotation and their overall aspirations for the season.

The Impact on Texas’ Pitching Staff

Losing Tanner Witt for an extended period is a significant blow to the Longhorns’ pitching depth. Witt had been expected to anchor the Texas rotation, and without him, the team now faces a major gap at the top of the staff. The loss of a player of Witt’s caliber leaves a sizable hole, especially for a team looking to make a deep run in the College World Series.

In his absence, Texas will have to rely on a mix of returning pitchers and newcomers to step up and fill the void. The remaining pitchers on the roster are certainly talented, but none have the same combination of experience, stuff, and projected MLB potential that Witt possesses. Without an established ace, the Longhorns may have to get creative in their approach to the rotation.

The next man up in the rotation is likely to be Zane Moore, a senior right-hander who has proven himself capable of handling high-pressure situations. Moore has served as both a spot starter and a key reliever for the Longhorns in past seasons, and his experience in tight games could make him an ideal candidate to step into a starting role. Moore’s fastball-slider combination is effective, though he will need to maintain consistency with his command if he is to replace Witt as the team’s ace.

Another pitcher to watch is Casey Jennings, a highly regarded sophomore who has shown flashes of brilliance in limited appearances. Jennings has a solid repertoire, including a fastball that sits in the low 90s, as well as a sharp curveball that can be a swing-and-miss pitch. If Jennings can harness his potential and show greater consistency, he could emerge as a reliable option to take on a bigger role in the rotation.

Texas also has a group of talented freshmen, including Elijah Sparks and Victor Rios, who could see increased opportunities as the Longhorns attempt to adjust to Witt’s absence. While it is always a challenge for freshmen to step into a starting role in the demanding Big 12 Conference, both Sparks and Rios have demonstrated their skills in scrimmages and bullpen sessions. They are certainly names to watch in the coming weeks as Texas searches for a way to fill the void left by Witt.

Adjusting to Life Without Witt

While Texas will have to adjust to life without Witt, it is important to note that the team is not without options. Head coach David Pierce and his coaching staff will need to carefully manage the pitching staff, making sure that the rotation remains as strong as possible given the circumstances. This may involve more bullpen games or creative use of pitchers, especially as Texas enters a tough stretch of Big 12 games.

The Longhorns also have a strong offensive lineup that can help pick up the slack. Players like Blake King, a dynamic outfielder, and Sam Wheeler, a power-hitting first baseman, have the ability to carry the offense and put up big numbers. With a balanced attack from both the mound and the plate, Texas will need to rely on its depth and collective effort to stay competitive in a tough conference.

Furthermore, Texas will need to stay mentally strong and maintain focus as they adapt to this challenge. Witt’s absence is certainly a tough pill to swallow, but the Longhorns have proven time and again that they can overcome adversity. The leadership of seniors like Moore and the experience of key returning players will be essential to keep the team focused on its goals.

What’s Next for Tanner Witt?

As for Tanner Witt, the injury is a major disappointment for a player with such high aspirations. Witt had been projected as one of the top pitchers for the 2025 MLB Draft, and his performance this season would have played a significant role in his draft stock. With the injury now clouding his immediate future, Witt’s plans may change. Depending on the severity of the injury and the necessity of surgery, Witt’s recovery timeline could affect his draft eligibility.

In the meantime, Witt will focus on his recovery, working closely with Texas’ medical team to determine the best course of action. While it is still too early to predict the exact timeline for his return, Witt’s dedication to the game and his competitive spirit will likely fuel his rehabilitation efforts. Whether or not he is able to pitch again this season, his future in baseball remains bright.