Hints emerge that Dianna Russini will eventually tell her story
Hints emerge that Dianna Russini will eventually tell her story.
Ryan McPherson will miss the upcoming game against Nicholls State due to a forearm strain. Coach Brian O'Connor reported that McPherson is progressing but did not provide a specific return date.
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Ryan McPherson, Ben Davis injury updates: Latest on Mississippi State pitchers
STARKVILLE — Injured Mississippi State baseball starter Ryan McPherson will not pitch in the next game against Nicholls State on May 5, coach Brian O'Connor told SuperTalk Mississippi radio.
O'Connor added that McPherson is "progressing well" but MSU has still not said when McPherson is expected to return from his forearm strain that's sidelined him since March 20.
"He's got a bullpen scheduled this week, so we'll kind of see how that goes and it's kind of day-to-day," O'Connor said. "I'm hoping that he can help us out very, very soon."
O'Connor also said there is no update on relief pitcher Ben Davis, who exited the May 2 win at Texas with a back injury.
MSU Bulldog fan Craig Verhage sauces up chicken wings in the smoker before the matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Friday April 3rd, 2026.
Georgia Bulldogs starting pitcher Dylan Vigue (27) pitching against the MSU Bulldogs at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Friday April 3rd, 2026.
Ryan McPherson is not expected to pitch in the next game against Nicholls State and is currently day-to-day as he recovers from a forearm strain.
Ryan McPherson has been sidelined since March 20 due to his forearm strain.
Coach Brian O'Connor mentioned that McPherson is progressing well and has a bullpen session scheduled this week.
The article does not provide any updates on Ben Davis's injury status or his availability for the upcoming game.
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MSU Bulldogs coach Brian O'Connor shakes hands with Georgia Bulldogs coach Wes Johnson before the game at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Friday April 3rd, 2026.
MSU Bulldogs shortstop Gehrig Frei (34) looks to throw out a runner early in the game at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Friday April 3rd, 2026.
MSU Bulldogs second baseman Ryder Woodson (9) makes a throw to first at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Friday April 3rd, 2026.
MSU Bulldogs pitcher Tomas Valincius (4) started on the mound for the Bulldogs at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Friday April 3rd, 2026.
Georgia third baseman Tre Phelps (1) looks to throw cross the infield for an out at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Friday April 3rd, 2026.
MSU Bulldogs batter Reed Stallman runs to first but is thrown out against the Georgia Bulldogs at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Friday April 3rd, 2026.
MSU Bulldogs pitcher Tomas Valincius (4) opened up for the Bulldogs at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Friday April 3rd, 2026.
Georgia Bulldogs shortstop Kolby Branch (9) throws out a runner at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Friday April 3rd, 2026.
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MSU Bulldog fan Craig Verhage sauces up chicken wings in the smoker before the matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Friday April 3rd, 2026.
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MSU Bulldog fan Craig Verhage sauces up chicken wings in the smoker before the matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Friday April 3rd, 2026.
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Georgia Bulldogs starting pitcher Dylan Vigue (27) pitching against the MSU Bulldogs at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Friday April 3rd, 2026.
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MSU Bulldogs coach Brian O'Connor shakes hands with Georgia Bulldogs coach Wes Johnson before the game at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Friday April 3rd, 2026.
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MSU Bulldogs shortstop Gehrig Frei (34) looks to throw out a runner early in the game at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Friday April 3rd, 2026.
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MSU Bulldogs second baseman Ryder Woodson (9) makes a throw to first at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Friday April 3rd, 2026.
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MSU Bulldogs pitcher Tomas Valincius (4) started on the mound for the Bulldogs at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Friday April 3rd, 2026.
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Georgia third baseman Tre Phelps (1) looks to throw cross the infield for an out at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Friday April 3rd, 2026.
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MSU Bulldogs batter Reed Stallman runs to first but is thrown out against the Georgia Bulldogs at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Friday April 3rd, 2026.
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MSU Bulldogs pitcher Tomas Valincius (4) opened up for the Bulldogs at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Friday April 3rd, 2026.
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Georgia Bulldogs shortstop Kolby Branch (9) throws out a runner at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Friday April 3rd, 2026.
The Texas series marked the sixth straight series McPherson has missed with the injury. Charlie Foster has started in his place, but has struggled recently, pitching only two innings in each of his last two starts.
The No. 11 Bulldogs (36-12, 14-10 SEC) have two series remaining in the regular season, first against No. 6 Auburn on May 7-9 at Dudy Noble Field, then at No. 7 Texas A&M May 14-16.
The game against Nicholls at Dudy Noble Field on May 5 (6 p.m., SEC Network+) is the final midweek game of the season.
McPherson, a sophomore, was Mississippi State's Game 1 starter before his injury.
In six starts this season, McPherson has a 2.45 ERA and 3-0 record.
Davis, a senior, often pitches in high-leverage situations for Mississippi State.
He leads the team with five saves this season and has a 3.93 ERA in 18 appearances.
Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for The Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Ryan McPherson, Ben Davis injury update for Mississippi State baseball