LSU Baseball: Projected Starting Lineup and Weekend Rotation Revealed

Avery K. Bristow

Published: February 13, 2026 2:50 PM ET

LSU Baseball is gearing up for the 2026 season with a robust roster that includes both experienced players and new transfers. As the team prepares for their season opener against Milwaukee, scheduled for Friday at 2 p.m. on SEC Network+, coach Jay Johnson is finalizing the starting lineup and pitching rotation. Here’s a detailed look at the projected lineup and rotation.

Projected Starting Lineup

The lineup showcases a blend of seasoned veterans and promising talents. The predicted starters for the 2026 season are as follows:

Chris Stanfield, LF, Sr.
Derek Curiel, CF, So.
Steven Milam, SS, Jr.
Jake Brown, RF, Jr.
Zach Yorke, 1B, Sr.
Brayden Simpson, DH, Sr.
Tanner Reaves, 2B, 5th-yr. Sr.
Trent Caraway, 3B, Jr.
Cade Arrambide, C, So.

Bench Players

Seth Dardar, INF, 5th-yr. Sr.
Mason Braun, 1B/OF, Fr.
John Pearson, INF, So.
Daniel Harden, OF, Jr.
Omar Serna, C, Fr.
William Patrick, OF, Fr.
Eddie Yamin, C, R-Jr.
Ethan Clauss, INF, Fr.
Jack Ruckert, INF, Fr.

Chris Stanfield is expected to lead off, leveraging his speed and contact skills. Tanner Reaves is likely to start at second base, although matchups may dictate daily decisions. Newcomer Mason Braun has emerged as a strong candidate for the designated hitter role.

Projected Weekend Rotation

LSU’s starting rotation for the weekend series is set as follows:

Friday: Casan Evans, RHP, So.
Saturday: Cooper Moore, RHP, Jr.
Sunday: Cooper Williams, LHP, So.

Potential Midweek and Multi-Inning Options

Zac Cowan, RHP, Sr.
William Schmidt, RHP, So.
Gavin Guidry, RHP, R-Jr.
Jaden Noot, RHP, R-Jr.
Reagan Ricken, RHP, Fr.
Marcos Paz, RHP, Fr.

Cooper Moore has been noted as the standout pitcher during preseason, while Casan Evans maintains a consistent track record. Cooper Williams has shown significant improvement and is poised to secure the last rotation spot.

Strong Bullpen Options

The bullpen consists of several key pitchers ready to contribute:

Mavrick Rizy, RHP, So.
Santiago Garcia, LHP, Jr.
Danny Lachenmayer, LHP, So.
Ethan Plog, LHP, So.
Dax Dathe, RHP, 5th-yr. Sr.
Deven Sheerin, RHP, R-So.
DJ Primeaux, LHP, R-Jr.

Depth Pieces

Connor Benge, RHP, Sr.
Grant Fontenot, RHP, 5th-yr. Sr.
Zion Theophilus, RHP, Fr.
John Shahrdar, RHP, Sr.
Jonah Aase, LHP, Fr.

Mavrick Rizy’s performance, particularly in the Cape Cod Baseball League, has made him a crucial component of the bullpen. Meanwhile, Deven Sheerin is showing promising recovery following an injury and is throwing at impressive speeds. Ethan Plog adds depth with his unique pitching style.

As the LSU baseball team steps into the new season, excitement surrounds their capable roster and strategic approach. Fans can anticipate thrilling matchups as they aim for victory in the 2026 season.