Louisiana Ragin' Cajun #1 ace Gunner Leger will not play in 2018 as he continues to recover from offseason surgery. He plans on pitching in the 2019 season.

The school announced Leger's decision this morning. Gunner released the following statement.

"After consulting with my family, doctors and coach Robichaux, we have decided that it would be in my best interest to redshirt this season. Doing so will allow me to adequately heal and recover from the elbow procedure that was performed this summer. It will also give me the time to recover from the second surgery that i had this fall to remove a simple cyst from my leg. Because the timetable for my rehab means missing a majority of the 2018 season, the decision to redshirt this year became the clear answer. I will still be in a position to contribute to the Ragin' Cajuns baseball program in the same manner that I have in the past. My rehab is going extremely well, and I look forward to seeing you all at Russo Park this spring."

Leger, a 2nd team preseason Collegiate Baseball All-American , was courted by MLB teams in last June's MLB draft. He told us last summer he received calls from teams who were interested in taking him in the 6th or 7th round, but didn't receive an offer that he "was comfortable leaving his senior year" for.

Despite telling teams at that point he would be returning to Louisiana for his senior season, the Miami Marlins still drafted him in the 26th round.

The 2017 Sun Belt Conference Pitcher of the Year's senior season will now be delayed by one season, though he will be helping the team in other ways in 2018.

Tim Buckley of The Advertiser spoke with Leger and head coach Tony Robichaux on the matter, reporting Leger's decision is about timing. With zero setbacks in rehab, he could've returned to pitching toward the end of the season, but Gunner wants to throw at the beginning of a season and pitch a hundred innings, according to Robichaux.

Louisiana's season begins on February 16th in Austin, Texas, for a three game series against the Texas Longhorns.

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