Texas Longhorns starting pitcher Jared Spencer out for rest of season

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas left-handed pitcher Jared Spencer will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury, the school announced Thursday.

Spencer was the Longhorns' top of the rotation starter all season after transferring from Indiana State, racking up 66 strikeouts against 23 walks in 52.1 innings. He left the opening game against Auburn on April 17 after 2.2 innings due to arm soreness, and head coach Jim Schlossnagle told reporters Thursday that Spencer was getting looked at in Houston.

Clearly, the prognosis wasn't good and the Longhorns will have to shift their rotation. Ruger Riojas will start on the mound Friday against Texas A&M. Schlossnagle has typically used him later in weekend series this season. Luke Harrison is the probable starter for Saturday's game with a pitcher to be determined later for Sunday's game.

"Ruger has the moxie and the spirit to handle everything that comes with Friday night in the SEC," Schlossnagle said.

After Spencer left the Auburn game early, Schlossnagle began to plan for Riojas to take over as the Friday night starter, lifting Riojas after three innings against the Tigers on April 19. Riojas threw 38 pitches, so he'll be fresh to start against the Aggies at 7 p.m. Friday.

Spencer finishes the season with a 3.27 ERA and 4-1 record in 10 starts. He allowed opponents to hit .215.

It's the second big injury to the Longhorns this season, with power-hitting outfielder Max Belyeu considered "week-to-week," but not expected back anytime soon.