Cooper Moore, the LSU Tigers' standout pitcher, has officially confirmed that he will return to the program for the 2027 season, bringing a measured optimism after a challenging year marked by injury.
Rehabilitation roadmap
After undergoing surgery on his right arm, Moore detailed the meticulous steps he is taking to ensure full health before stepping back onto the mound, including a deliberate avoidance of intrasquad scrimmages and a focused strength‑building regimen that will extend through the holiday season.
The pitcher finished the 2026 campaign with a 3.38 earned run average and 39 strikeouts across six starts, highlighted by a four‑inning outing against Oklahoma in which he yielded just two runs on four hits.
Head coach Jay Johnson praised Moore's commitment to a gradual recovery, emphasizing that the team will prioritize his long‑term availability over short‑term gains.
LSU baseball endured its first NCAA Tournament omission since 2011, a setback that adds urgency to the program's rebuilding efforts and makes Moore's eventual return all the more valuable.