Texas A&M makes a massive change to its starting pitching rotation

No. 7 Texas A&M (36-10, 15-8 SEC) trailed 4-0 to Prairie View A&M on Tuesday night, looking sluggish on the mound and at the plate, but just like SEC play, the Aggie offense was much too prolific contain, scoring six unanswered runs, and going on to win 16-6 to finish non-conference play with just one loss after falling to Texas State on the road.

After losing its first SEC series in several weeks to Auburn at home, the Aggies salvaged a win on Sunday behind an impressive start from junior pitcher Weston Moss, who struck out six while allowing just one hit and one earned run. After Friday starter Shane Sdao's struggles continued, resulting in a blowout 18-5 during Saturday's doubleheader.

Sdao's 3-4 record and 6.55 ERA have continued to place the Aggie behind the 8-ball in nearly every Game 1 matchup in conference play, leading to second-year head coach Michael Earley making a massive change to the starting lineup ahead of Friday's opener vs. No. 20 Ole Miss on the road.

Sophomore Aiden Sims, who has served as the Aggies' most reliable pitcher, will stay as the Saturday starter, and instead of Weston Moss taking over on Friday, he and Sdao will be options for Sunday, while Clemson transfer Ethan Darden will make his first start of the season on Friday night.

Serving as a middle relief option throughout the 2026 season, Darden's impressive 2.88 ERA and 4-0 record will be tested against the Rebels' lineup, while the strategy could include Moss or Sdao coming in after two to three innings if Darden struggles, as Earley stated that Sdao will be a "big part" of the weekend rotation.

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