TCU baseball loses ace Tommy LaPour for 8-10 weeks as Big 12 play begins, while the Horned Frogs must lean on pitching depth to stay in the conference race.
The TCU baseball pitching staff took a major hit this week as the Horned Frogs prepare to open Big 12 conference play.
Star right-hander Tommy LaPour, projected to anchor TCU’s weekend rotation, is expected to miss 8-10 weeks with an injury, removing one of the program’s most reliable arms from the mound.
LaPour was the clear leader of TCU’s pitching staff last season. The right-hander finished the year with a 3.09 ERA across 16 starts, logging 90.1 innings and 88 strikeouts, both team highs.
His dominant campaign earned him First-Team All-Big 12 honors, making his absence a significant blow for head coach Kirk Saarloos.
The injury news didn’t stop there. Two-way standout Noah Franco is also sidelined after suffering an oblique injury earlier this season. Franco is expected to miss at least another 10 days, removing a versatile player who contributes both offensively and on the mound.
Last season, Franco delivered one of the most productive freshman campaigns on the roster, batting .333 with 16 doubles and 11 home runs, while also pitching 12.1 innings for the Frogs.
Despite the setbacks, TCU enters conference play with momentum.
The Horned Frogs bounced back from early-season struggles with a series of recent victories, including a series win over Tulane, a sweep of New Haven, and a midweek win against Abilene Christian.
Pitchers Mason Brassfield and Lance Davis have begun to stabilize the rotation. Brassfield struck out 10 batters across five innings in a strong outing against Tulane, while Davis followed with six innings and just one earned run allowed.
The bullpen will also play a key role moving forward. Transfer Walter Quinn has emerged as TCU’s closer, recording two saves and 17 strikeouts with a 4.09 ERA.
Relievers Nate Stern and Ethan Thomas have also delivered steady performances, both maintaining ERAs under 4.00.
Now the Horned Frogs face their toughest challenge yet.
With LaPour sidelined, TCU’s pitching depth will be tested immediately as the Frogs open Big 12 play against Arizona State in Tempe, facing a Sun Devils lineup capable of punishing any mistakes.
If TCU hopes to remain a Big 12 title contender, its remaining arms will need to rise to the moment.