In a sudden and potentially troubling revelation, Iowa baseball (32-17, 21-6 Big Ten) will be without starting pitcher Reece Beuter for at least today’s Game 3 vs. No. 11-ranked Oregon State (37-12).
The redshirt senior apparently suffered an injury during Thursday’s bullpen session ahead of the Hawkeyes’ series against the Beavers at Principal Park in Des Moines, Iowa.
According to head coach Rick Heller, Beuter suffered a “nerve issue that flared up Thursday during his bullpen” and confirmed the right-hander will not be starting Game 3 against Oregon State.
Heller also remained hopeful that Beuter’s injury is just a one-week issue, but mentioned that no timeline has been established for his return.
BREAKING:
Rick Heller tells me that Reece Beuter is OUT tomorrow with a “nerve issue that flared up Thursday during his bullpen”.
Heller is hopeful that it is just a one week thing, but there is no timetable for his return.
A brutal break at this point of the season. pic.twitter.com/e2c44rJRHa
Beuter has been stellar on the back end of the Hawkeyes’ three-man starting rotation this season by holding a 6-0 record through 12 starts with a 3.13 ERA and a 9.85 strikeout rate per nine innings pitched.
Although coach Heller has not revealed a replacement starter for today’s Game 3, the Hawkeyes will likely deploy members of their bullpen throughout the game.
Game 3 is scheduled for a 12:05 p.m. CT start at Principal Park and will be broadcast on Big Ten Plus (subscription required). It will also be available on the Hawkeyes Radio Network alongside play-by-play voice John Leo and color analyst John Evans.
As Iowa prepares for a three-game season finale series vs. Oregon (37-13, 18-8) at Duane Banks Field from May 15-17, with the Hawkeyes just two wins away from clinching their first Big Ten regular-season title since 1990, the status of Bueter will be one that fans will want to keep a close eye on.
While the Hawkeyes control their own destiny regarding a regular-season crown, Bueter’s spot in the three-man rotation could be a major factor if Iowa needs a win next Saturday to clinch the conference title.
If the injury extends beyond his next scheduled start, it could also affect Iowa’s pitching staff as it enters the quick-fire Big Ten Tournament, which lasts May 20-25.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa baseball pitcher Reece Beuter scratched from Game 3 start vs Oregon State
Reporting by Scout Springgate, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
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