Texas A&M is getting a major boost ahead of the NCAA Regionals, as star freshman Nico Partida is set to return. On Monday, following the NCAA Selection Show, head coach Michael Earley confirmed that Partida will be available to play.
Partida has been sidelined for roughly a month after suffering a hamstring injury while attempting to field a ball in Game 1 of the regular‑season series against Auburn. Since then, he’s been steadily working his way back, spending most of his recovery time in the batting cage before gradually reappearing late in the season. His lone in‑game action came in Game 3 against Mississippi State, when he pinch‑hit for Jorian Wilson, drew a walk, and was immediately replaced on the bases by Terrence Kiel II.
In the weeks that followed, Partida consistently appeared as a probable or game‑time decision on the SEC student‑athlete availability report. Had Texas A&M been fighting for its postseason life, there’s a real chance Earley would have pushed him back into the lineup sooner. But with the Aggies safely in the NCAA Tournament field, the staff opted for caution, prioritizing his long‑term health over short‑term gains.
Now, with the postseason here, Texas A&M finally gets one of its most impactful freshmen back at the right time.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M freshman star set to play in NCAA Regionals
Reporting by Jarrett Johnson, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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