Sunday Uncertainty

As the 2025 season progresses and the post-season is looming amongst the Tigers, LSU baseball continues to search for a consistent presence in the Sunday starting pitcher role. While the Tigers have found stability with Kade Anderson and Anthony Eyanson anchoring the Friday and Saturday spots respectively, the Sunday position has seen a rotation of arms without a definitive answer.

Redshirt sophomore Chase Shores, who missed the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery, was initially projected to fill the Sunday role while Gavin Guidry was out due to injury and was on the road to recovery when that came to a halt due to a season ending back surgery in late April. Despite Shores impressive 1.96 ERA in 2023, Shores has struggled to regain his pre-injury form, leading to uncertainty in the rotation even though he's said that his pitching has felt good.

In the midst of this uncertainty, freshman right-hander Casan Evans has emerged as a potential solution. Evans, a highly touted recruit from Houston's St. Pius X High School, was ranked No. 26 among the 2025 Perfect Game Top 75 College Freshmen and was known for his prowess as both a pitcher and shortstop in high school.

Evans made a significant impact in his first collegiate start against the defending national champions, Tennessee Volunteers. Despite allowing two runs in the first inning, he settled in to pitch six innings, allowing no walks and striking out six batters, leading LSU to a 12-2 victory . His performance earned him praise from teammates, with fellow freshman Derek Curiel stating, "Casan Evans is the best freshman pitcher in America... Whether it's out of the pen or starting he's just a great dude, and a great teamate" .

Head coach Jay Johnson has expressed confidence in Evans' abilities, noting his versatility and efficiency on the mound.

"Outside of my wife Maureen Johnson, probably two of the most important people in my life.” Said Jay Johnson on the LSU postgame radio show after a mercy rule win against Tennessee to win the rubber match.

Evans' ability to throw 61 strikes out of 85 pitches in his debut start showcases his command and poise under pressure.

While it's yet to be determined if Evans will permanently secure the Sunday starter role, his recent performances have certainly made a compelling case.

As LSU continues its SEC schedule, the emergence of Evans provides a potential answer to the team's ongoing search for consistency in the rotation.