Ryan McPherson to pitch for Mississippi State vs Texas A&M in Game 3

Ryan McPherson to pitch for Mississippi State vs Texas A&M in Game 3

Mississippi State baseball starting pitcher Ryan McPherson will pitch against Texas A&M in Game 3 of regular-season ending series on May 16, the school announced on social media.

The No. 12 Bulldogs (39-15, 16-13 SEC) are looking to win their series with the No. 10 Aggies (38-13, 17-11) and will have one of the best SEC pitchers back on the mound to do so. Game 3 is set for 11 a.m. on SEC Network.

McPherson suffered a forearm strain against Vanderbilt on March 20, but returned on May 9 against Auburn. Then he injured his ankle after tripping behind home plate while backing up a potential throw in the second inning.

Mississippi State originally listed the Game 3 starter as TBA.

The Bulldogs won the first game in the series 18-11 and lost the second game 11-9.

Peyton Squyres, 5, rests in his dad’s lap, Eric Squyres, during a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

Mississippi State head coach Brian O'Connor answers questions from members of the press after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

Mississippi State players hold up the Governor’s Cup after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

Mississippi State outfielder Vytas Valincius (14) shakes hands with teammates before a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

Ole Miss players anticipate the pitch while playing defense during a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

Mississippi State outfielder Bryce Chance (38) swings for the ball during a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

Mississippi State pitcher Peyton Fowler (32) pitches during a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

A “Beat Ole Miss” pin is seen on the net during a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

Mississippi State pitcher Dane Burns (45) high-fives teammates after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

Mississippi State head coach Brian O'Connor stands in the middle of a huddle after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

Mississippi State players pose with the Governor’s Cup after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

Fans wait for autographs from Mississippi State players after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

Fans hand hats and baseballs to Mississippi State utility player Noah Sullivan (18) for autographs after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

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See our best photos of April 2026, from high school proms to baseball and softball

Peyton Squyres, 5, rests in his dad’s lap, Eric Squyres, during a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

1 / 13

See our best photos of April 2026, from high school proms to baseball and softball

Peyton Squyres, 5, rests in his dad’s lap, Eric Squyres, during a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

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Ole Miss baseball vs Mississippi State in Governor's Cup see our best photos

Mississippi State head coach Brian O'Connor answers questions from members of the press after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

3 / 13

See our best photos of April 2026, from high school proms to baseball and softball

Mississippi State players hold up the Governor’s Cup after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

4 / 13

Ole Miss baseball vs Mississippi State in Governor's Cup see our best photos

Mississippi State outfielder Vytas Valincius (14) shakes hands with teammates before a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

5 / 13

Ole Miss baseball vs Mississippi State in Governor's Cup see our best photos

Ole Miss players anticipate the pitch while playing defense during a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

6 / 13

See our best photos of April 2026, from high school proms to baseball and softball

Mississippi State outfielder Bryce Chance (38) swings for the ball during a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

7 / 13

Ole Miss baseball vs Mississippi State in Governor's Cup see our best photos

Mississippi State pitcher Peyton Fowler (32) pitches during a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

8 / 13

Ole Miss baseball vs Mississippi State in Governor's Cup see our best photos

A “Beat Ole Miss” pin is seen on the net during a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

9 / 13

Ole Miss baseball vs Mississippi State in Governor's Cup see our best photos

Mississippi State pitcher Dane Burns (45) high-fives teammates after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

10 / 13

See our best photos of April 2026, from high school proms to baseball and softball

Mississippi State head coach Brian O'Connor stands in the middle of a huddle after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

11 / 13

Ole Miss baseball vs Mississippi State in Governor's Cup see our best photos

Mississippi State players pose with the Governor’s Cup after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

12 / 13

Ole Miss baseball vs Mississippi State in Governor's Cup see our best photos

Fans wait for autographs from Mississippi State players after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

13 / 13

Ole Miss baseball vs Mississippi State in Governor's Cup see our best photos

Fans hand hats and baseballs to Mississippi State utility player Noah Sullivan (18) for autographs after a college baseball game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup 7-3.

McPherson has been one of Mississippi State's top arms this season, despite the injuries. He has a 3-1 record and a 2.62 ERA with 40 strikeouts in 34⅓ innings.

McPherson was Mississippi State's usual Game 1 weekend starter before his forearm injury. Against the Aggies this weekend, the Bulldogs started Tomas Valincius in Game 1 on May 14 and Duke Stone in Game 2 on May 15.

Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Alex atjdaugherty@gannett.com. Follow Alex on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, @alexdaugherty1.Also check out our Predators exclusive Instagram page @tennessean_preds.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Ryan McPherson injury update for Mississippi State vs Texas A&M