Injured Texas A\&M star may return for SEC Tournament, offering potential boost as Aggies seek momentum entering postseason play.

As the SEC Tournament approaches, the Texas A&M Aggies find themselves at a pivotal crossroads in their season. Amid the buzz surrounding tournament seedings, matchups, and momentum, a lingering question continues to dominate conversation around the program: Will their injured star return in time to make an impact?

The answer, while still uncertain, has turned increasingly optimistic in recent days, as head coach Jim Schlossnagle and the training staff monitor the player’s rehabilitation progress. A potential return could significantly alter the Aggies’ postseason trajectory and provide a much-needed spark to a team with lofty ambitions.

The Star in Question: A Linchpin for the Aggies

Although the coaching staff has not publicly confirmed the player’s availability, sources close to the program indicate that the injured player—widely believed to be junior outfielder and All-SEC performer Jace LaViolette—could be trending toward a return during the SEC Tournament.

LaViolette, a 6-foot-6 power-hitting lefty, has been a cornerstone of Texas A&M’s offensive production throughout the season. Before his injury, he led the Aggies in home runs and RBIs while boasting one of the top on-base percentages in the SEC. His blend of size, speed, and plate discipline made him nearly impossible to replace.

The injury, sustained after being hit by a pitch in a late-season game against Auburn, sent shockwaves through the fanbase and raised concerns about Texas A&M’s postseason viability. Since then, Schlossnagle has played things cautiously, emphasizing player health over short-term gains.

Schlossnagle’s Stance: Cautious Optimism

Speaking at a recent media availability, Schlossnagle offered a measured update:

“We’re hopeful. He’s progressing well, but we’re not going to rush anything. We want him 100% before putting him back in the lineup. He means too much to this team and has a future in this game that we won’t jeopardize.”

That statement, while non-committal, signals that LaViolette is nearing a return and could potentially be available for the later stages of the SEC Tournament—should the Aggies advance deep enough. Even a few appearances could dramatically shift the lineup’s balance.

Team Resilience in His Absence

In the games following the injury, the Aggies have seen mixed results. While the team has managed to secure key wins to solidify their tournament seeding, it’s been clear that LaViolette’s absence has affected offensive output.

Sophomores Gavin Grahovac and Kaeden Kent have stepped up admirably, contributing clutch hits and stabilizing the outfield, but the lack of a true middle-of-the-order presence has made the Aggies more vulnerable against elite SEC pitching.

Opposing teams no longer pitch around the middle of the order. Pitchers are more aggressive in the zone, and the threat of a game-changing home run has been reduced. The return of LaViolette would immediately shift that dynamic.

Why His Return Matters: Numbers Tell the Story

Before his injury, LaViolette was on pace for one of the best offensive seasons in school history:

• Batting Average: .330
• Home Runs: 20+
• RBIs: 60+
• Slugging Percentage: .645
• On-base Plus Slugging (OPS): Over 1.050

These numbers not only illustrate his value as a run producer but also as a tone-setter. LaViolette has consistently sparked rallies with his patience at the plate, routinely drawing walks or forcing pitchers to throw deep into counts.

Defensively, his size and athleticism make him an asset in right field, where he routinely prevents extra-base hits and throws out baserunners with a strong, accurate arm.

SEC Tournament Implications: Matchups and Momentum

As Texas A&M prepares for the SEC Tournament in Hoover, Alabama, the return of their top player could have implications beyond the stat sheet. His presence could energize a roster hungry to prove itself on a national stage.

The SEC Tournament often serves as a launchpad for College World Series contenders. Programs that catch fire in Hoover frequently carry that momentum through NCAA Regional and Super Regional rounds.

Texas A&M’s potential path in the tournament includes matchups against high-caliber programs like Arkansas, Tennessee, and Florida—each boasting elite pitching staffs. The ability to field a lineup with LaViolette anchoring the heart of the order could be the difference between an early exit and a semifinal or championship berth.

Postseason Positioning: Beyond the SEC

With the NCAA Tournament selection looming, the Aggies are currently projected as a host team for regional play. A strong showing in the SEC Tournament, buoyed by the return of LaViolette, could even propel them into national seed territory—granting home-field advantage through Super Regionals.

For a team with College World Series aspirations, that edge cannot be overstated. Blue-blood programs like LSU, Vanderbilt, and Florida thrive on home crowds during high-stakes postseason games. Texas A&M would love to do the same at Blue Bell Park.

Moreover, the player’s return gives the Aggies an opportunity to experiment with lineup combinations that could be crucial in Omaha, should they advance that far.

Team Chemistry and Intangibles

Players and coaches alike have praised LaViolette not only for his on-field prowess but for his leadership in the dugout and locker room. His injury, though unfortunate, has further elevated his standing within the team as he’s continued to mentor younger players and provide support during games.

“Even when he’s not playing, he’s locked in,” said sophomore infielder Hunter Haas. “He’s talking to guys between innings, pointing out pitcher tendencies. That kind of leadership keeps us focused.”

His potential return brings more than runs—it brings morale, confidence, and a sense of unfinished business.

Medical Update: The Timeline

Texas A&M has not released specifics about the injury beyond labeling it a “bone contusion” in the forearm. However, team insiders indicate the healing process is on track.

A bone bruise can sideline a player anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on severity. Given that LaViolette has remained active in non-contact drills and has recently resumed light batting cage work, signs point toward a targeted return window aligning with the mid-to-late stages of the SEC Tournament.

If the Aggies advance past their opening-round matchup, LaViolette may be available in a pinch-hit capacity before returning to full action.

MLB Draft Implications

There’s also a broader context to his return: the 2025 MLB Draft. LaViolette is projected as a first-round pick, and scouts continue to evaluate his health, durability, and performance under pressure.

A successful return—no matter how brief—could cement his status as one of the top college bats in the draft class. It would demonstrate his resilience, competitive spirit, and commitment to his team.

From an organizational standpoint, Texas A&M must strike a balance between showcasing their star and protecting his long-term interests.

Final Thoughts: A Potential Turning Point

The potential return of Jace LaViolette—or any top performer—in the SEC Tournament represents a significant inflection point for Texas A&M baseball. It’s a narrative filled with uncertainty, hope, and the excitement that only postseason play can provide.

As the Aggies embark on their tournament journey, fans and analysts alike will keep a close eye on the dugout, waiting to see if No. 17 emerges from the tunnel, bat in hand, ready to resume his role as the heartbeat of the lineup.

Whether or not he plays, his impact on this program is already felt. But if he does return, Texas A&M becomes a different team—more dangerous, more dynamic, and more determined to make a run that lives up to preseason expectations.