Oregon State baseball will be without its ace for the rest of the season.

Dax Whitney, a standout right-hander for the Oregon State Beavers, is expected to undergo ulnar collateral ligament surgery after leaving his April 24th start against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors with arm tightness. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel.

The injury is a major blow for Oregon State, as Whitney had been one of the most dominant pitchers in college baseball this season and a projected top pick in the 2027 MLB Draft.

According to ESPN, Whitney is expected to have the procedure performed by renowned orthopedic surgeon Keith Meister, a common choice for elite pitchers undergoing ligament repair.

Whitney’s exit against Hawaii raised immediate concern. After cruising through much of the outing, he left in the seventh inning, accompanied by trainers, signaling what has now become a season-ending issue.

Before the injury, Whitney was putting together a remarkable sophomore campaign. He recorded 104 strikeouts, ranking among the national leaders, while maintaining a 2.00 ERA and a 6-1 record. His command stood out just as much as his power, issuing only 18 walks all season.

His fastball averaged over 97 mph and reached as high as 101 mph, making him one of the hardest-throwing pitchers in the country.

Scouts have also praised his full arsenal, including a sweeper, curveball, and changeup, all viewed as above-average or better offerings.

Whitney’s rise has been rapid. Originally a late-rising high school prospect from Idaho in the 2024 MLB Draft, he climbed into early-round consideration before arriving in Corvallis, where he quickly developed into a cornerstone of the Beavers’ rotation.

Now, Oregon State must adjust without its top arm as the postseason approaches. Replacing Whitney’s production and presence will not be easy.

His absence reshapes the Beavers’ pitching staff for the remainder of the season and begins what is expected to be a long recovery process as he works toward a return to the mound.