GREENVILLE, S.C. — The Clemson pitching staff could soon get a big boost.

The 11th-ranked Tigers have started the season without some arms that were expected to be big pieces during the 2025 season.

Transfer Michael Gillen and freshman Talan Bell are two guys working their way back from injuries that have yet to throw over the first three weeks of the season. Redshirt sophomore Noah Samol, who missed all of last season, has yet to throw as well.

Freshman Brendon Bennett was able to make his debut in last week’s midweek win over Winthrop, and head coach Erik Bakich said it is possible he gets another opportunity on Wednesday as the Tigers host Presbyterian in midweek action.

“Should be soon,” Bakich responded when asked about a timeline for getting Gillen back. “He, Noah Samol and Talan Bell are kind of the three big arms, and Brendon Bennett would be in that mix too, but he came back last week, and Brendon, we should be able to see him (Wednesday) maybe.”

Before making the move to Clemson, Gillen was a key member of the Seton Hall bullpen over the last two seasons. In 65.2 innings pitched, Gillen registered a 1.51 ERA with 70 strikeouts to just 19 walks.

Bell was one of the top left-handed pitching prospects coming out of high school a season ago. Baseball America ranked him as the 15th-best freshman in the country during the preseason.

Samol is a 6-foot-7 lefty who transferred to Clemson from Georgia Tech ahead of the 2024 season.

“Those three guys, Gillen, Samol and Talan Bell are three big pieces to the pitching staff that will be back sooner rather than later,” Bakich added. “They are all on their progressions, but they are all throwing. They are all right there. I can’t give you an exact date, but it is close.”

Clemson will host Presbyterian at Doug Kingsmore on Wednesday. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.