TUCSON, Ariz. - University of Arizona relief pitcher Tony Pluta sustained an injury and will be undergoing UCL repair surgery. This will force him to miss the 2026 season, the program announced on Tuesday. 

Pluta is coming off a campaign in which he was named the NCBWA Stopper of the Year and garnered All-American honors from numerous organizations after appearing in 30 games on the mound and compiling an ERA of 1.46 across 37 innings of work. The Palatine, Illinois native also recorded 14 saves, while holding opposing hitters to a batting average of .219 and tallying 34 strikeouts to just seven walks.

The senior was named a 2026 Preseason First Team All-American by D1Baseball, Perfect Game, the NCBWA, as well as being named to the Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watch List.

"I am truly gutted that I will not be able to compete with my teammates and represent the University of Arizona and the City of Tucson on the diamond this year," said Pluta. "With that said, I will do all that I can to help this team succeed and get back to Omaha this season, and I am looking forward to returning to the mound next year. Thank you to everyone, especially my teammates, coaches, and family, who have supported me in this difficult time. Bear Down!"

"I am devastated for Tony," said Arizona head coach Chip Hale. "He is an incredibly hard-working, high-character, and dedicated individual who is a tremendous representation of Arizona Baseball both on and off the field. I expected Tony to have another exceptional season and continue to display that he is one of the best relief pitchers in the country; however, I am fully confident that he will recover from this and continue to have an outstanding career in baseball. Tony has unbelievable poise and resolve, and despite this unfortunate news he has remained in high spirits and will continue to be an integral part of our team throughout the season."