Texas A&M turns to Ethan Darden on Friday as Michael Earley resets the Aggies’ SEC rotation before a pivotal road series at Ole Miss.
Texas A&M baseball is making a notable SEC rotation change before a critical road series at No. 20 Ole Miss, and Ethan Darden is getting the first crack at changing the tone.
The No. 7 Aggies are 36-10 overall and 15-8 in conference play, but head coach Michael Earley clearly saw enough after another rough weekend opener against Auburn.
Darden, a Clemson transfer, will make his first start of the season Friday night. That’s a big assignment for a pitcher who has worked mostly in relief, but his numbers explain the move.
Darden enters with a 4-0 record and a 2.88 ERA, giving Texas A&M a fresh look after repeated early deficits in series openers.
Shane Sdao, who had been handling Friday duties, has struggled to stabilize that spot. His 3-4 record and 6.55 ERA have put the Aggies in difficult positions, including Saturday’s 18-5 loss to Auburn.
Earley isn’t removing Sdao from the weekend picture entirely, though. He said Sdao will remain a “big part” of the rotation, with both Sdao and Weston Moss available as Sunday options.
Moss strengthened his case last weekend by helping Texas A&M avoid a sweep, striking out six while allowing just one hit and one earned run in Sunday’s win over Auburn.
Sophomore Aiden Sims, the Aggies’ most dependable starter, will stay in the Saturday role.
Texas A&M also showed its offensive ceiling again Tuesday, rallying from a 4-0 hole to beat Prairie View A&M 16-6 and finish non-conference play with just one loss.
Now comes the real test. If Darden gives the Aggies even a few steady innings Friday, Texas A&M may have found a needed answer at the perfect time.
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