Matthew Shorey likely to miss 2027 for Vanderbilt baseball after injury

Matthew Shorey, a left-handed pitcher for Vanderbilt baseball, is expected to miss the 2027 season following surgery performed during the summer, according to coach Tim Corbin. Shorey, who played at Father Ryan High School, appeared in 14 games as a freshman in 2025, posting a 5.27 ERA. Following a strong showing in the Cape Cod League and preseason, Shorey was anticipated to be a breakout player and potential weekend starter in 2026.

However, his season was marred by injuries. A preseason injury sidelined him until May, and upon returning to pitching, he appeared in just five relief games with a 3.00 ERA. It was hoped that Shorey could return for the 2027 season and transition into a starting role or high-leverage reliever, but this now appears unlikely. Despite being eligible for the 2027 MLB Draft, Shorey is unlikely to be selected due to his injury history.

Vanderbilt's pitching staff is in dire need of more strike-throwers, having missed the NCAA tournament in 2026. Other left-handed pitchers on the roster include Shane Brinham, Dominic Monaco, Aiden Stillman, and freshmen Bo Holloway, RJ Cope, Brody Carr, and Jameson Napper. However, Monaco and Stillman have both struggled with control in their college careers.

The 2027 roster also features returning senior Connor Fennell, sophomores Tyler Baird and Austin Nye, and junior Austin Nye, who is recovering from his own injury. The injury status of Brodie Johnston, Mack Whitcomb, and Connor Hamilton is uncertain, with Johnston recovering from a broken finger bone, Whitcomb set to return after hip surgery, and Hamilton's re-evaluation pending.

Freshman Michael Holt is also expected to miss the season after undergoing knee surgery over the summer.