Auburn LHP Cade Fisher not in Tigers' projected starting rotation ahead of College Baseball Series

Junior left-handed pitcher Cade Fisher was not included in Auburn’s projected starting rotation on Thursday as the Tigers head to Arlington to compete in this weekend’s College Baseball Series.

Auburn head coach Butch Thompson announced ahead of last weekend’s home series against Wright State that Fisher would not pitch due to a lingering back issue. While he has not been officially ruled out again this weekend, Fisher was not named a projected starter as he continues to work his way back to the mound.

In an interview with ‘The Barn’ earlier this week, Fisher didn’t rule out returning at Globe Life Field this weekend but remains unsure on his status entering the weekend.

“I’m not really sure on the answer, I’m working each day to try and pitch as soon as possible, really,” Fisher said. “It’s a group decision, for sure.”

Fisher started Auburn’s season-opener on Feb. 14 at home against Holy Cross, leaving after three-and-a-third innings. He surrendered one earned run but didn’t allow a hit, walked three and struck out five. He threw 53 pitches, 30 of which were strikes.

“Started feeling a little discomfort during the start, I thought I was pitching well through it, was hoping to go a little more, cut down a little less walks…I guess we were just taking some precaution sitting me out this week,” Fisher said. “I’ve been throwing all week, rehabbing, so looking forward to getting back out there pretty soon, hopefully.”

Fisher transferred to Auburn ahead of the 2025 season following two seasons at Florida. He excelled out of the bullpen as a freshman for the Gators, touting a 3.10 ERA across 49-and-a-third innings in 27 appearances. He finished with a 6-0 record, struck out 48 batters and walked just 13 en route to earning SEC All-Freshman Team honors.

Fisher then went through a sophomore slump in Gainesville, allowing 47 earned runs in 59-and-a-third innings, good for a 7.13 ERA. He made 26 appearances, nine of which were starts. He fanned 76 batters but was hit hard at times last season.

Senior right-hander Samuel Dutton started last Friday and is set to do the same this Friday in the Tigers’ first game of the weekend against Ohio State. Saturday’s starter against Oregon State is currently listed as “TBD”, while freshman righty Christian Chatterton is slated to take the ball on Sunday against Baylor.

Last Saturday against Wright State, right-hander Alex Petrovic got the start. Petrovic, lefty Jackson Sanders and righty Dylan Watts each completed two or more innings of work.

Auburn is off to an 8-1 start and enters the College Baseball Series on a seven-game winning streak. The Tigers defeated Samford 15-8 on Tuesday night at Plainsman Park last time out and will now play away from home for the first time this season.