LSU freshman pitcher Eric Walker has been diagnosed with a tear in the ulnar collateral ligament of his right elbow and will undergo reconstructive surgery, causing him to miss the 2018 season, coach Paul Mainieri announced Thursday.
Walker, a product of Arlington, Texas, helped lead LSU to the 2017 Southeastern Conference championship and a berth in the College World Series, where the Tigers finished as the national runners-up. He is scheduled to have Tommy John surgery next Wednesday in Arlington, where it will be performed by Dr. Keith Meister, the head team physician of the Texas Rangers Major League Baseball club.