Mize returns to starting rotation

AUBURN | Casey Mize is back.

Auburn’s sophomore right-hander will return to the starting rotation for this weekend’s series against Alabama after missing his previous two starts due to forearm tightness.

“He was at full velocity. On Tuesday he faced five batters on our game field,” Auburn coach Butch Thompson said. “It looked like he hadn’t pitched to hitters in a couple of weeks. Hopefully we can continue to work this week to get out command back but from a health standpoint it made me comfortable seeing him face our hitters and more importantly it let Casey know he’s ready to head back out and start a game.”

Mize, who hasn’t pitched since a 3-2 win at Tennessee April 13, will start Saturday’s game. Keegan Thompson, who missed a start earlier this season, will be Friday night’s starter and Davis Daniel will start Sunday.

“That’s back to the original way we started the season in conference play,” Butch Thompson said. “After all these adjustments here, it’s nice to get back to our original starting rotation.”

Mize is 6-1 on the season with a 1.23 ERA. He is third in the SEC with 82 strikeouts despite missing the last two starts.

“It’s another boost of confidence,” senior catcher Blake Logan said. “We’ve seen what we can do without two of the best starting pitchers in the SEC. But to have them back and have Casey back would be really big.”

No. 4 Auburn, 32-14 overall and 14-7 in the SEC, hosts Alabama (15-29, 2-19) for a three-game series this weekend. Game times are set for 6 p.m. CT Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday. The first two game will be on SECN+ and WatchESPN while game three will be on the SEC Network.