Matthew Shorey likely to miss 2027 for Vanderbilt baseball after injury

Matthew Shorey, a Vanderbilt baseball left-hander, is expected to miss the 2027 season following surgery earlier in the summer, according to coach Tim Corbin. The freshman, who previously played at Father Ryan High School, made 14 appearances in 2025, registering a 5.27 ERA. Shorey's promising performance in the Cape Cod League and preseason had positioned him as a potential breakout player and weekend starter for the 2026 season.

However, injury setbacks slowed his progress. After a preseason injury sidelined him until May, Shorey returned to pitch in five games in relief during the regular season, posting a 3.00 ERA. He struck out eight batters while walking two over six innings. The prognosis was that Shorey might return for the 2027 season, potentially anchoring the rotation as a starting pitcher or high-leverage reliever.

But this prospect now appears unlikely. Although Shorey remains eligible to be drafted into Major League Baseball in 2027, his injury history makes him a less attractive prospect. Vanderbilt's pitching corps, already in need of additional strike-throwers after missing the NCAA tournament in 2026, has suffered a significant blow with Shorey's absence.

Other left-handed pitchers on the roster include Michigan transfer Shane Brinham, Western Kentucky transfer Dominic Monaco, and Vanderbilt freshmen Bo Holloway, RJ Cope, Brody Carr, and Jameson Napper. However, Monaco and Stillman have both battled control issues in their college careers. The Vanderbilt staff also has several starting candidates for the 2027 season, including senior Connor Fennell, sophomores Tyler Baird and Austin Nye, and juniors Connor Hamilton.

Nonetheless, Hamilton's midseason absence due to undisclosed reasons remains unresolved. Other players who will miss the season include third baseman Brodie Johnston, who injured his finger during the pre-season, and freshman Michael Holt, who underwent knee surgery over the summer.