Skip to main content
lsu logo

LSU pitcher Javen Coleman returns to mound after Tommy John surgery

On3 imageby:Shea Dixon•04/18/23•

sheadixon

javen-coleman
Photo: LSU Athletics

The LSU pitching staff is in search of arms to step up as the Tigers work through the Southeastern Conference schedule.

Now, help is on the way.

LSU pitcher Javen Coleman will start for the Tigers on Tuesday night against UL Lafayette, The Advocate’s Leah Vann reported.

Coleman has been sidelined since February 2022 following Tommy John surgery.

Coleman’s return could boost a pitching staff in need of a spark

LSU starting pitcher Paul Skenes has looked like one of the best players in college baseball, but the Tigers are still hoping to find more from other starters on staff.

Now, Coleman will head to the mound for the first time in 14 months.

Coleman suffered the injury on February 23, 2022, which led to Tommy John surgery. Earlier this month, LSU head coach Jay Johnson hinted that Coleman’s return could be sooner than many expected.

“I don’t know when (he will be back),” Johnson said in early-April. “We have two benchmarks we have to get past, but it’s getting closer, and credit to him. He’s recovered from the Tommy John better than any pitcher that I’ve ever seen.

“You wouldn’t know that he was coming off an injury.”

Coleman broke through for LSU’s staff in 2021 when he allowed one earned run in six innings in a key win over Oregon at the Eugene Regional. The following season, hopes were high that Coleman would make that next step, but he was sidelined for the year after just two appearances.

Coleman to face off against Ragin’ Cajuns

Coleman will be LSU’s starter when the Tigers host UL Lafayette at 6:30 p.m. CT in Baton Rouge. The game will be televised on SEC Network+.

LSU leads the all-time series with a record of 57-27, with the first meeting coming in 1912. LSU has won two in a row, seven of the last 10, and 17 of the 25 meetings since 2000.

“UL Lafayette is awesome at what they do; they’re the fastest team I’ve ever seen,” LSU head coach Jay Johnson said. “Every single guy can run. They have a style, and they execute it really well. They have a very good team, and they’re competing for the Sun Belt Conference championship. They’re an awesome opponent.”

You may also like