Florida Gators baseball head coach Kevin O’Sullivan announced Tuesday night freshman outfielder Cash Strayer and sophomore RHP Jackson Barberi are expected to return to action this weekend against Kentucky.
Strayer, a true freshman from Tampa, Florida, hasn’t played in a game since March 28 after suffering a fractured metacarpal in his right hand. The injury occurred when he was hit by a pitch.
“Cash took BP today and looked really good,” O’Sullivan said. “Throwing looks great. So I would anticipate him being ready to go this weekend.”
The 6-foot-2 outfielder was hitting .267 with three home runs and 22 RBI in 26 games before the injury. With Florida struggling at the bottom of the lineup for much of the season, Strayer’s return gives the Gators another option with power upside.
Strayer was off the availability report last weekend, but was only available to pinch-run if a situation presented itself.
Barberi, a sophomore from Snellville, Georgia, hasn’t appeared in a game since April 3 against Ole Miss, when he suffered an oblique injury in the middle of an outing.
As Gator Country reported yesterday, Barberi had been throwing from 90 feet on flat ground over the past few weeks and was progressing well, nearing a live bullpen session. That session took place today, and the feedback was encouraging.
“Jackson threw to two hitters today. He threw 20 pitches. He was 95-97. He looked good. So he’ll be available this weekend,” O’Sullivan said on Barberi.
Barberi was Florida’s most effective bullpen arm prior to the injury, posting a 2.00 ERA in 27 innings. The 6-foot-4 right-hander has recorded 40 strikeouts and 12 walks. His return adds depth to a Florida pitching staff that could play a key role in the postseason.
“He’s so good,” RHP Cooper Walls said on Barberi. “He’s definitely a big piece to us. Having him back will be great. It’s gonna help us win more ballgames.”
This is a huge boost for a Gators squad pushing to lock down an NCAA Regional host spot with two SEC series remaining.
Florida (32–17, 13–11 SEC) is set to host Kentucky (29–16, 11–13 SEC) for its final regular-season series at Condron Family Ballpark.