Clemson Pitcher to Miss Weekend Start

Ace Aidan Knaak will sit out the Tigers' series opener against LaSalle

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Clemson's star pitcher Aidan Knaak, who has been the team's Friday night starter since the 2025 season, will not take the mound for the Tigers' weekend series opener against LaSalle. Head coach Erik Bakich said this was a planned rest for Knaak and there are no injury concerns.

Why it matters

Knaak is Clemson's ace and has been a key part of their rotation for the past three seasons. His absence from the Friday start could impact the team's chances of winning the series opener against LaSalle.

The details

Knaak has held down the Friday night starter role for Clemson since his freshman year in 2025. However, the junior right-hander will not be taking the mound for the Tigers' series opener against LaSalle this weekend. Head coach Erik Bakich said this was a planned rest for Knaak and there are no injury concerns.

  • Knaak has been Clemson's Friday night starter since the 2025 season.
  • Clemson opens a four-game weekend series against LaSalle on Friday, March 7, 2026.

The players

Aidan Knaak

Clemson's junior right-handed starting pitcher who has been the team's Friday night ace since 2025.

Erik Bakich

Clemson's head baseball coach who said Knaak's absence from the Friday start was a planned rest and not due to any injury.

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What’s next

Knaak is expected to return to the rotation for Clemson's Saturday or Sunday games against LaSalle.

The takeaway

While Knaak's absence from the Friday start is a notable development, Clemson's head coach has assured there are no injury concerns and this was a planned rest for the team's ace pitcher.