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Mark Wasikowski has no update on Isaac Ayon, Jace Stoffal

On3-Social-Profile_GRAYby:On3 Staff Report•06/08/23
Mark Wasikowski, Oregon Ducks baseball
Oregon coach Mark Wasikowski stands with his team for the national anthem prior to a game on May 30, 2023. (Chris Pietsch / USA TODAY Sports)

As Oregon prepares for its first Super Regional since 2012, the Ducks are still waiting word on the availability of a few key players who have been out with injuries, namely pitchers Isaac Ayon and Jace Stoffal.

Neither have played in a while, but coach Mark Wasikowski has been hopeful he could get one or both back for the postseason. But mum remains the word for now.

“That’s a great question. I don’t know,” Wasikowski said on Wednesday. “We haven’t been out on the field yet today, so I’ll know that later this afternoon.”

Stoffal hasn’t played in a game since April 28, suffering a finger injury that has limited his ability to throw. He’s a solid arm when healthy, having posted a 6-2 record with a 2.83 ERA.

On the season Stoffal had struck out 56 batters while walking 23, giving up 37 hits in 201 at-bats, an impressive .184 batting average against. He’d be a useful arm to add back into the rotation if healthy.

Ayon, meanwhile, is probably less likely to make major contributions if he’s able to return to the lineup.

The junior right-hander has been out all season with a right arm injury, though Wasikowski has long been hopeful to get him back at some point this season. Given the lack of usage so far and the high-pressure nature of a Super Regional, Ayon would likely only be used in spot duty out of the bullpen.

Oregon is set to host Oral Roberts in the Eugene Super Regional this weekend. It will be Oregon’s first time hosting a Super Regional.

The Ducks advanced to Super Regional play after winning the Nashville Regional last weekend, taking down Xavier 5-4, Vanderbilt 8-7 and finally Xavier 11-2.

Oral Roberts, meanwhile, won the Stillwater Regional in convincing fashion. The Golden Eagles beat all three teams in the regional, topping Oklahoma State 6-4, Washington 15-12 and Dallas Baptist 6-5.

Games in the Eugene Super Regional are scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m. ET, Saturday at 9 p.m. ET and, if necessary, at a time to be determined on Sunday.

The Ducks would obviously love to have Isaac Ayon and Jace Stoffal available, but that remains to be seen.