Arizona State’s left‑handed ace Cole Carlon is set to start for the Sun Devils in the Big 12 tournament semifinal against ninth‑seeded West Virginia on May 22, a game that could shape the team’s championship hopes.
The junior has been dealing with a mild bout of arm soreness after his previous start on May 15, when a sudden dip in velocity forced him out of the game as a precautionary measure. Carlon said his arm feels better now and that he is ready to go whenever the team needs him this weekend.
Coach Willie Bloomquist confirmed that Carlon is progressing well and expects him to take the mound, while also noting that right‑handers Jaden Alba and Colby Guy remain viable alternatives should the staff decide to manage Carlon’s workload.
This season Carlon has compiled 14 starts, 118 strikeouts, a 3.64 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP, earning First‑Team All‑Big 12 honors and placing him on the radar of scouts who project him as a potential first‑round pick in the 2026 MLB draft.
A pivotal weekend for the rotation
The matchup against West Virginia will test not only the Sun Devils’ pitching depth but also the durability of a staff that has leaned heavily on Carlon’s left‑handed presence throughout the tournament.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether Carlon can deliver a strong performance despite his recent discomfort, a result that could influence both the team’s immediate prospects and his draft stock heading into the next season.