Nick Pogue returns to Gators weekend rotation
The No. 11 Florida Gators will have, weather permitting, a three-game series this weekend against Seton Hall.
It will mark the return of junior right-hander, Nick Pogue.
On Wednesday, Gators Online reported that Pogue would make his return this weekend. When Pogue takes the mound on Sunday it will be 733 days since he last pitched against Florida State at McKethan Stadium. Pogue was, unfortunately, the pitcher of record in a 2-0 loss to the Seminoles. It wound up being the last game ever played at McKethan Stadium, with the season being postponed and eventually canceled.
Pogue had a decent freshman season in 2020 but was really coming along in 2021. Kevin O’Sullivan told Gators Online that Pogue was challenging Tommy Mace for the Friday night role before his season ended with a UCL injury.
Pogue made seven appearances in 2020 including two starts, posting a 5.23 ERA across 10.1 innings and finishing with a 1-1 record and a save. He was very effective coming out of the bullpen. In five relief appearances, posted a 0.00 ERA and allowed just five hits across 5.1 innings.
A tight pitch count for the Gators starter
This will be Nick Pogue’s first start in a live game since March 10, 2020. As Gators Online noted Tuesday night when Tyler Nesbitt made his return, Pogue will be on a strict pitch count.
When a pitcher returns from Tommy John surgery their first game action is typically limited to 30-35 pitches. If all goes well and there isn’t worrisome pain or soreness, their next outing will increase by 15 pitches.
We likely won’t see Pogue for more than two to three innings this weekend but it’s all part of the process. The Gators wanted to get both Pogue and Nesbitt back throwing before SEC play started and this weekend will accomplish that.
A healthy Pogue could solidify Gators rotation
Last Sunday, following an 11-3 win over Miami, Kevin O’Sullivan lamented over his pitching staff. Timmy Manning, while fine, wasn’t as sharp as he would have liked and the bullpen allowed two runs in the ninth inning.
“We need to have a third starter that throws strikes and has command of all three pitches,” O’Sullivan said. “We jump out to a big lead and we’re still trying to find the command. And we didn’t have a very good start, to be honest with you, from Timmy. I know he’s probably frustrated with himself.”
Pogue will get the nod over Manning, who will be available out of the bullpen this weekend. Pogue is talented enough that, if he can continue to progress back from surgery, he might be the answer to O’Sullivan’s questions on the weekend.
Weekend pitching matchups, game times, how to watch
There is rain expected this weekend in Gainesville, so make sure to check back with Gators Online throughout the weekend. As of now, this is the schedule for the Gators series with Seton Hall.
| Friday (6:30) SEC Network+ | Saturday (6:30) SEC Network + | Sunday (Noon) SEC Network + | |
| Florida | LHP Hunter Barco | RHP Brandon Sproat | RHP Nick Pogue |
| Seton Hall | RHP Hunter Waldis | RHP Drew Conover | RHP Brennan O’Neill |
