Gators Baseball Injury Updates: Kyle Jones Out & More

It’s no surprise to anyone who follows the Florida Gators baseball team that they continue to be bit by the injury bug. Following another wave of injuries that occurred last weekend against Miami, Florida coach Kevin O’Sullivan provided some key updates on Wednesday, following the 4-2 win over FAU.

Kyle Jones

Outfielder Kyle Jones suffered a shoulder injury last weekend after making a diving catch in the outfield. Jones will likely need surgery on the injured shoulder, effectively ending his 2025 season.

“I think Kyle is probably going to, unfortunately, miss the season,” O’Sullivan said.

Jones played in just four games for Florida after transferring from Stetson this offseason. He was just working his way back in the lineup following a hamstring injury he suffered on opening night versus Dayton. He hit .313 this season, with five hits and two RBIs.

Pierce Coppola

LHP Pierce Coppola, who left his start early last weekend against Miami, will not pitch this weekend against Harvard. Coppola left the game in the third inning after allowing a walk and signaled to the dugout and the trainer came out. Freshman Aidan King is now the scheduled starter for Saturday’s game against the Crimson.

“(Pierce) is not going to pitch, so Aidan (King) will get his start,” O’Sullivan said.

The status of Coppola’s injury is still unknown and there is no timeline for his return. But O’ Sullivan mentioned that he is seeking second opinions about the injury.

“They’re still meeting with doctors and getting second opinions, those types of things, it’s a little premature for all that,” O’Sullivan said.

Coppola is 2-0 this season, with a 1.42 ERA and has 23 strikeouts across 12 2/3 innings pitched.

Cade Kurland

Infielder Cade Kurland suffered a shoulder injury on his glove side after diving for a ground ball in the first inning against Miami last Saturday. He needed help walking off the field and was later seen in the dugout with a sling on his arm.

“Cade is doing PT right now and there’s really no timeline, it’s just a matter of how quickly he can strengthen his shoulder and stabilize the joint,” O’Sullivan said. “It could be as sure as 10 days, two weeks, or could be longer, I really don’t know. He’ll get out there as soon as he possibly can.”

Kurland has dealt with a right-hand injury most of the 2024 season but still managed to play in 62 of the 66 games. This season, Kurland is batting .353 with 12 hits, three home runs and 13 RBIs.

What’s to Come

The Gators will now use the depth they built this offseason to help them out in this weekend’s three-game series with Harvard. Before turning to the page to next week’s road trip, where Florida will take on Florida State this Tuesday and open SEC play at Tennessee.

First pitch for Friday against Harvard is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Watch it live on SEC Network+ or listen live here at ESPN 98.1-FM/850-AM WRUF.