South Carolina transfer pitcher set to return ahead of four-game road trip

Right-hander Alex Philpott will make his season debut against The Citadel on Tuesday.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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South Carolina right-handed pitcher Alex Philpott, who missed the first month of the season with elbow discomfort, is set to make his season debut on Tuesday against The Citadel. Philpott, a transfer from Florida, is expected to be on a strict pitch count for his first outing of the year as the Gamecocks begin SEC play with a four-game road trip.

Why it matters

Philpott's return is a big boost for the Gamecocks as they enter conference play. The 6-foot-6 right-hander was expected to be a key part of South Carolina's weekend rotation before his injury, and his presence will provide additional depth and experience to the pitching staff.

The details

Philpott, who went 5-6 with a 7.12 ERA in 36 appearances (six starts) over the last two seasons at Florida, will likely be limited to around 20-25 pitches in his first outing. Head coach Paul Mainieri said both Philpott and fellow injured pitcher Cullen Horowicz 'look terrific' after recent bullpen sessions, though they are not yet back to 100% velocity.

  • Philpott will make his season debut on Tuesday, March 12, 2026 against The Citadel.
  • The Gamecocks' four-game road trip begins on Tuesday against The Citadel and continues with a three-game series at Florida starting on Friday, March 15, 2026.

The players

Alex Philpott

A 6-foot-6, 200-pound right-handed pitcher who transferred to South Carolina after spending the last two seasons at Florida, where he went 5-6 with a 7.12 ERA in 36 appearances.

Paul Mainieri

The head coach of the South Carolina baseball team.

Cullen Horowicz

Another South Carolina pitcher who has missed time with an injury but is also nearing a return.

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What they’re saying

“They both threw bullpens out on the main mound and both of them look terrific. I mean, they're not 100 percent back with their velocities and that kind of thing, but they both felt great. They threw a lot of strikes.”

— Paul Mainieri, Head coach (on3.com)

“I wouldn't think either of them would go more than 20 or 25 pitches the first time out.”

— Paul Mainieri, Head coach (on3.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Philpott's return is a timely boost for the Gamecocks as they begin SEC play, providing additional depth and experience to the pitching staff. While he will be limited in his first outing, his progress is an encouraging sign for South Carolina as they look to make a strong push in conference play.