Three Gamecocks will miss fall baseball practice with injuries

Two South Carolina baseball veterans expected to play major roles this year and a newcomer hoping for playing time will miss all of fall practice due to injuries.

Outfielder Gene Cone, pitcher Taylor Widener and catcher Chris Cullen all recently underwent surgery, the team announced Tuesday. They are expected to be fully recovered by the beginning of team practice in January.

Cone, a junior, had to have surgery on his right thumb to repair a torn ligament. He started all 57 games last season, hitting .257 with two home runs and 12 RBIs. He also tied for the team lead in stolen bases with 13.

Widener and Cullen each underwent Ulna Nerve Transposition Surgery on their right throwing arms.

Widener, who is also a junior, led the Gamecocks with nine saves in 2014. He finished the season 1-5 with a 4.78 ERA.

Cullen, a freshman catcher, has a chance to receive immediate playing time this year, assuming he recovers fully.