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Fayetteville Today
By the People, for the People
Arkansas Pitcher Wiggins Could Return This Season After Tommy John Surgery
Coach Van Horn says Wiggins is progressing well and may pitch for the Razorbacks before the season ends.
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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Arkansas baseball coach Dave Van Horn shared encouraging news about right-handed pitcher Carson Wiggins, saying he believes Wiggins will pitch for the Razorbacks before the season is over. Wiggins had Tommy John surgery after suffering an elbow injury late last season and has been steadily working his way back through rehab. Van Horn said Wiggins recently threw a light bullpen session where his velocity was already in the low 90s, prompting the coaching staff to tell him to slow down. The Arkansas skipper is optimistic Wiggins will be able to contribute this year, even in a limited role, as he continues to build up strength and endurance.
Why it matters
Wiggins was a valuable bullpen arm for Arkansas before his injury, posting a 1-1 record with 3 saves and 20 strikeouts in 14 innings. Getting him back on the mound would provide a boost to the Razorbacks' pitching staff as they navigate their conference schedule. Wiggins is also draft-eligible for the next two seasons, so a successful return this year could raise his professional prospects.
The details
Wiggins had Tommy John surgery after suffering an elbow injury late last season. The Razorbacks have taken a careful approach with his rehab, focusing on building strength without rushing the process. Wiggins recently threw a light bullpen session where his velocity immediately jumped to the low 90s, prompting the coaching staff to tell him to slow down and focus on control rather than speed. Van Horn said he believes Wiggins will pitch for Arkansas before the season ends, though the team will continue to monitor his progress and not rush him back.
- Wiggins suffered the elbow injury that led to Tommy John surgery late last season.
- Wiggins recently threw a light bullpen session where his velocity was in the low 90s.
The players
Dave Van Horn
The head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team.
Carson Wiggins
A right-handed pitcher for the Arkansas Razorbacks who is recovering from Tommy John surgery.
What they’re saying
“We got to get him on the mound for the first time and throw 10 pitches, and I think the first pitch that came out of his hand was upper-80s. Coach Hobbs said, 'oh, easy now. Slow down, big boy.' The other day, the first pitch came out of his hand, he was in the low 90s. We're like slow down, let's keep it in the upper 80s now.”
— Dave Van Horn, Head Coach, Arkansas Razorbacks (SI.com)
“I think he's going to pitch for us before the season's over now.”
— Dave Van Horn, Head Coach, Arkansas Razorbacks (SI.com)
What’s next
The Arkansas coaching staff will continue to closely monitor Wiggins' progress and gradually increase his workload as he builds up strength and endurance. The goal is to have him contribute in a limited role before the end of the season, without rushing his recovery.
The takeaway
Wiggins' potential return this season provides a boost of optimism for the Arkansas pitching staff and fanbase. His ability to bounce back from Tommy John surgery and regain his form could be a key factor in the Razorbacks' success as they navigate their conference schedule.
