Aidan Jimenez injury update: Dave Van Horn says transfer pitcher is ‘way ahead of schedule’

There has been a lot of excitement within the Arkansas Razorbacks program about transfer pitcher Aidan Jimenez. Even early in his time with the program and while he’s recovering from an injury, he’s been able to impress Dave Van Horn.

In a recent press conference, Van Horn praised Jimenez. He also noted that the transfer pitcher is actually ahead of schedule in his recovery and should be back earlier in the season than the Razorbacks had previously expected.

“Well, he’s doing great so far,” Dave Van Horn said. “Incredibly hard worker, very strong, big kid. If we can get him back to where he was when he was at Oregon State, we’ll have a jewel, so to speak.”

Aidan Jimenez missed the entire 2024 season with his injury. However, it is unclear what the exact nature of the injury that Jimenez suffered was.

Because Aidan Jimenez is working his way back from surgery, his schedule is going to be a little different from the rest of the team. Luckily, as Dave Van Horn shared, he’s ahead of schedule in his recovery. So, when he gets back, he will likely work as a reliever but could have the opportunity to move into a starting role.

“His role right now would be, I guess it would be wide open. He was a starter there. He could be, probably could be a middle reliever for us to start out, just to see what he can do. He was someone that we were hoping we could get him, maybe middle of the season,” Van Horn said.

“But it looks like he might be ready more toward the beginning of the season to help us. He’s way ahead of schedule for the surgery he had.”

In 2023, with Oregon State, Aidan Jimenez appeared in 22 games with one start for a total of 38 innings pitched. He had an ERA of 5.68, a WHIP of 1.316, and 8.3 strikeouts per nine innings pitched. He did that while giving up two home runs and seven walks. He would also play in the Cape Cod Summer League that year, throwing 15.2 innings in eight appearances as a reliever with an ERA of 1.15, a WHIP of 1.021, and 6.9 strikeouts per nine innings pitched.

In recent seasons, Arkansas has been known for its pitching staff. 2025 promises to be no different with Van Horn and the Razorbacks returning 11 pitchers from last season’s staff. That includes Colin Fisher, Ben Bybee, Gage Wood, and Will McEntire who have started at least one game. Christian Foutch, meanwhile, had a 0.81 ERA out of the bullpen in 22 1/3 innings pitched. Zach Root and Landon Beidelschies are both also entering the program as transfers with starting experience.

Dave Van Horn and Arkansas are preparing now for the start of the season, which is scheduled for Friday, February 14th at home against Washington State.

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