Arizona bullpen rounding into shape ahead of key stretch in Big 12 play

Pitching was supposed to be the strength of Arizona’s 2026 team, but then life happened. It started with the departures of two coaches who were instrumental in assembling and developing the staff, including one only a few weeks before the season began. Then a series of arm injuries popped up, most notably to closer Tony Pluta.

This had a major effect on the Wildcats’ bullpen, where roles had to be redefined and new pitching coach Sean Kenny had to learn on the fly who could be trusted in what situation. Not surprisingly, the results during the first half of the season reflected all this uncertainty. But as it heads into a 6-game Big 12 homestand, Arizona’s pitching has started to perform as expected despite all the change.

The staff ERA over the last five games—which includes four wins, three on the road—is 3. 27, and no opponent has managed more than five runs or eight hits in that span. That includes Monday’s 11-inning win at ASU, which saw six UA pitchers hold one of the most potent lineups in the country to three runs and seven hits.

It doesn’t get any easier for Arizona (14-22, 5-10), though. Kansas State (23-14, 7-8) leads the Big 12 in hitting in conference games in batting (. 344), on-base percentage (.