2013 MLB Draft: Florida's Karsten Whitson Out With Shoulder Trouble

University of Florida right-handed pitcher Karsten Whitson, expected to be a potential early pick in the 2013 draft, has been sidelined with a shoulder injury. University of Florida athletic trainer Pat Hassell said yesterday that Whitson is battling "shoulder fatigue" and is not ready to start the college season.

Obviously the injury puts Whitson's draft status in doubt for now. Whitson had an excellent freshman season in 2011 (2.40 ERA, 92/28 K/BB in 97 innings) and looked like a lock for an early spot in '13, but his sophomore campaign in '12 was less effective (3.51 ERA in 33 innings, 20/18 K/BB, 37 hits) as he battled arm troubles.

It was hoped that he would resume his place among the elite arms in college baseball this spring, but that looks less likely now. A healthy Whitson has a low-to-mid-90s fastball, along with good command of his solid slider and changeup, projecting as a mid-rotation starter.