Florida State arrived in California late Wednesday night after a full day traveling (commercial) from Jacksonville after the win over North Florida. As the Seminoles prepare for their weekend series at Stanford, there are plenty of pressing injury questions.
One piece of good news: Left-hander Payton Manca is back after appearing in just three games. Manca had tenderness in his arm and has been working back into the mix.
“Manca was close to going in the game Tuesday night,” FSU coach Link Jarrett said. “You have to almost start fresh and try to build the pitch count up. But great to have him back. That’s a big horse of doing some unique things on the mound.”
After an impressive summer in the Cape Cod League, Manca was projected by the FSU staff to be a midweek starter. But after just three outings, where he had eight strikeouts in 5.2 innings, Manca has been resting and working his way back.
Jarrett indicated Manca could be used in a variety of roles against Stanford, a series that begins on Friday at 9 p.m. ET (ACC Network Extra). With a lefty-heavy Stanford lineup, Manca could be used as a reliever. Or he could be the fill-in Sunday starter if Bryson Moore is unable to go.
Jarrett said the Sunday starter remains to be determined but that the Seminoles would practice at Stanford on Thursday afternoon. Moore could resume his Sunday role, with Jarrett stating the right-hander is “trending in the right direction.” If needed, FSU could also use Cooper Whited (who started the third game against Notre Dame). Manca or right-hander John Abraham are also among the options.
The status of a few outfielders are uncertain as FSU (29-11, 12-6) seeks to win a sixth ACC series. Stanford (18-19, 7-11) has been inconsistent, and the Cardinal are coming off a home series loss to Miami last weekend.
Jarrett said he was not sure about outfielder Brayden Dowd, who left Tuesday’s game at North Florida with an undisclosed injury. Aside from Myles Bailey (out for the season), Dowd is FSU’s leading hitter (.309), leader in runs (40) and tied for the team lead in home runs (seven).
“It’s the time of year when you are a little beat up and things that have nagged you resurface,” Jarrett said.
There’s also a question about outfielder John Stuetzer, who has a “little cut” on his left hand. Stuetzer departed Sunday’s game while sliding into third base.
Jarrett said he feels good about Noah Sheffield and Brody DeLamielleure playing in their absence, if needed, but it would continue the lineup juggling that has been part of the Seminoles’ reality throughout 2026. It has become a bigger issue without Bailey’s bat and would juggle again if Dowd is not able to hit leadoff.
Chase Williams could slide into the leadoff role. Williams is hitting .269 and often executing bunts well. He also has 14 stolen bases, including four in one game against Notre Dame.
After not playing over the summer or in the fall due to injury, Williams has warmed up with increased at-bats (now 108 in 33 games).
“He just has athleticism and adds dimensions to the game that you don’t see,” Jarrett said. “And it’s refreshing. It's fun to watch guys want to run the bases the way he wants to run the bases, and he understands how effective his short game can be.”
Thanks for reading the Osceola. Subscribe now for 40 percent off to enjoy a full year of coverage of FSU athletics. You’ll also earn a $15 gift card at the Osceola’s merch store.
