Tigers headed to Cape Cod, PNW for summer assignments

April 21, 2026: LSU 2b Jack Ruckert (32) turns a double play during NCAA Baseball action between the New Orleans Privateers and the LSU Tigers at the Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge, LA. Michael Bacigalupi

By Hunt Palmer

LSU’s players are headed out for the summer.

LouisianaSports.net has learned a few locations for some of the 2026 team. Others are still being determined right now as the coaching staff considers placement, development goals, as well as rest and rehabilitation in some cases.

Pacific Empire League

Healdsburg Prune Packers

William Patrick – As I wrote on Friday, Patrick just needs at bats. He’ll get them in Northern California and Oregon this summer. He’s an exceptional athlete with a high ceiling. But he’s raw as a hitter. He’ll see some good velocity this summer and hopefully swing the bat well.

Jack Ruckert – Ruckert and Patrick will team up in Healdsburg. Ruckert will likely play both middle infield spots. He was obviously a high school shortstop who played second base this spring. His defense got better as the season went on. He’s another player who needs at bats. I do expect competition on the infield whether Steven Milam returns or not. That means a portal addition or two. Ruckert hit .232 with five extra base hits in 69 at bats. He also needs swings. He’ll get them.

CAPE COD LEAGUE

Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox

Reagan Ricken – It’s great that Ricken will get to face some of the top hitters in the country on Cape Cod. I think that speaks to his talent and what the LSU coaching staff thinks of him. At just 19.1 innings this spring, I would think he could get some really good work in over the next five or six weeks. That will be dependent on what the LSU staff wants. After regional play wraps up on Monday, that league is going to be flooded with talent. Ricken will get to test himself while working on control.

Ethan Plog – I know how much the LSU staff thought of Plog entering the year. He just didn’t quite reach his potential because he didn’t throw enough strikes. Walks were a problem at Iowa Western CC in 2025, too. Plog is a spot reliever. He’s not going to be asked to start games, so you’re talking about one, two and three out outings. A walk here or there isn’t awful as long as you miss barrels and get left handers out. He only gave up four extra base hits and struck out 21 in 15.1 innings. He just needs to find the zone more. That’s a common theme.

Chatham Anglers

Gavin Guidry – This is a professional showcase for Guidry who would like to be drafted and sign professionally. He’s 22 years old and has been at LSU for four years. He’s open to a return if he’s not drafted, but pro scouts will be all over Cape Cod, and Guidry is trying to catch one eye. He’ll need to keep the ball out of the middle of the plate and limit the thunderous contact. If his name is not called in July, he is open to a return to LSU.