Kansas baseball will be without one of its big bats for the Big 12 Tournament, as left fielder Brady Ballinger is expected to miss this week’s action, according to head coach Dan Fitzgerald. Ballinger suffered a hamate bone injury at the end of the BYU series. The loss is a blow for the Jayhawks as they attempt to make a deep run this week and strengthen their NCAA Tournament resume and look to be a Regional host team. The hope is that Ballinger will be back for the NCAA Tournament next week.
Ballinger has been one of the anchors of Kansas’ lineup all season long, emerging as one of the top hitters in the Big 12 and a key reason the Jayhawks remained near the top of the conference standings for much of the year. The junior has provided both power and consistency in the middle of the order, while also giving Kansas defensive flexibility between first base and the outfield. His absence leaves a major hole in a lineup that has been among the most productive offenses in the league.
Kansas entered the postseason with high expectations after another strong regular season under head coach Dan Fitzgerald. The Jayhawks have developed into one of the Big 12’s most improved programs over the last few years, building momentum following last season’s breakthrough campaign. Ballinger has been central to that rise, earning preseason recognition as one of the conference’s top players heading into 2026.
Now, Kansas will need other bats to step up in his absence. Players like Josh Dykhoff, Dariel Osoria and the rest of the lineup will face added pressure to generate offense in a single-elimination tournament format where one quiet night at the plate can end a season quickly this week in Surprise, Arizona.
Kansas still has enough talent to make noise this week, but replacing Ballinger’s production is no easy task. His status will also be something to monitor closely heading into NCAA Regional play.
Kansas has a double bye as the No. 1 seed in the Big 12 Tournament, and will play either Texas Tech, BYU or Baylor on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. ET in Surprise, Arizona in the Big 12 Quarterfinals. The single-elimination Big 12 Tournament begins on Tuesday night.
