The LSU Baseball team is off to a strong start to the new season, but they are still playing without one of their top contributors. Senior outfielder Chris Stanfield plays a huge role in the Tiger outfield, but he is still nursing a hand injury he suffered in the second game of the season against Milwaukee.
Kim Mulkey and LSU eyeing payback in high-stakes road matchup at Ole Miss
However, there is good news surrounding Stanfield's injury. His hand is not broken, which could have Stanfield returning to the field sooner rather than later. Speaking with the media on Wednesday, Jay Johnson said the swelling has gone down on Stanfield's hand and that it won't be long until he is back in the lineup.
Jay Johnson on Chris Stanfield, says the swelling has gone down on his hand.
— Glen West (@glenwest21) February 18, 2026
“From the man himself, won’t be long. That put a big smile on my face.”#LSU
Senior outfielder Chris Stanfield appears close to returning to the lineup
Stanfield's injury occurred when sliding into home in the bottom of the 8th inning of LSU's 5-3 win over Milwaukee on February 14. He was able to stay in the game and play the field in the top of the 9th, but he has not played since.
The Tigers are set to take on Indiana, Notre Dame, and UCF this weekend in the Jax Baseball Classic at VyStar Ballpark in Jacksonville. Hopefully Stanfield is able to play at some point over the weekend as the Tigers look to continue their impressive start to the season. Even if he can't hit yet, it seems possible that Stanfield could be available to pinch-run and play defense before he can swing.
Through two games this season, Stanfield is 2-for-7 with a double a two runs scored. He played a huge role in LSU's College World Series title team last year, as he hit .298 with an .818 OPS and scored 53 runs. The Tallahassee, FL native is a part of an elite Tiger outfield that also features the likes of sophomore Derek Curiel and junior Jake Brown.
First pitch between the Tigers and Hoosiers is set for 1:00 p.m. CT on Friday afternoon.