CLEMSON – Clemson outfielder Cam Cannarella is progressing really well after offseason shoulder surgery.

The All-American tore the labrum in his right shoulder in the fourth game of the 2024 season and underwent a surgical procedure in July to have it repaired.

While the injury did not slow Cannarella at the plate, it did impact his ability to throw the ball. It also relegated him to playing it safe on the base paths. After stealing 24 bases during his freshman campaign in 2023, Cannarella didn’t steal a single one last season.

Due to the surgery, Cannarella was extremely limited during fall ball, and as competitive as he is, it wasn’t easy not being able to participate.

“Last year, I couldn’t really do a lot,” Cannarella said Thursday from Doug Kingsmore Stadium. “This summer, I got surgery and it was not a great fall for me because I couldn’t really do anything with the team. But, I’m back and ready to go.”

Even with the injury, Cannarella hit .337 last season with 11 home runs and 60 RBI. He was on the Golden Spikes Award watchlist and was a third-team All-American, as well third-team All-ACC. He was also the winner of the Brandon Streeter Award, given to a Clemson student-athlete who overcomes injury or illness to perform at a high level.

With preseason practice now starting, Cannarella said he is about 85% healthy.

However, when the Tigers open the season against Oklahoma State on Feb. 14 in Arlington, Texas in the Shriners Children’s College Showdown, head coach Erik Bakich believes his star player will be fully ready to go.

“He is progressing very well,” Bakich said. “It was his throwing shoulder. He is throwing the ball. He is on a throwing progression. He is extending every day, every week. He’ll be on track to be 100% full-tilt, ready to go for Opening Day.”