Outfielder Jaden Bastian is entering his first season with Florida after transferring from Jacksonville. Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Gators OF Injured During Scrimmage, Per Report

Originally posted on Florida Gators on SI
By Dylan Olive | Last updated Oct 25, 2025 4:01 PM ET

Florida Gators impact transfer Jaden Bastian injured his leg on the first base bag during Saturday's team scrimmage, bringing practice to a halt as the new Gator was transferred to Shands hospital, likely to need surgery according to Gator Online’s Hunter DeLauder.

Bastian had started his time with the Gators hot, standing out during their offseason scrimmages going 5-for-8 with a home run in his first three appearances, according to Gator Diamond Pod on x.

He was injured attempting to beat out a double play, seemingly stepping in between the two bags implemented to avoid collusions.

Gotta be honest. To the naked eye it appeared he stepped right in between both bags. One of the concerns talked about with the double bag at first base. pic.twitter.com/NkptmafSHr
— Gator Diamond Pod (@GatorDiamondPod) October 25, 2025

Florida players and coaches were visibly shaken up after the injury, gathering around their teammate before huddling in prayer once he left in an ambulance.

Players gathering around their teammate now. Staff taking all precautions. Definitely appeared to be a leg injury. If you can take a moment to send some positive thoughts and prayers to Jaden. https://t.co/Nvs2gineBj pic.twitter.com/iPhn5xaa51
— Gator Diamond Pod (@GatorDiamondPod) October 25, 2025

Baseball America’s 25th ranked transfer, the former Jacksonville center fielder was a big addition to Florida’s roster and expected to be a major piece for the Gators lineup. As a true sophomore with the Dolphins, he had a .302 batting average, smashing 11 home runs and stealing 36 bases.

"With Jaden Bastian in the mix, look for Florida to have one of the most dynamic outfields in the country."@JoeHealyD1 takes a closer look at @Jaden_Bastian8 and other @GatorsBB newcomers ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/wmpn6ajGtD
— D1Baseball (@d1baseball) September 5, 2025

Just a season ago, Florida saw another prized transfer outfielder, Kyle Jones, miss almost the whole season with a shoulder-injury. Though Jones looks ready to return to play this winter, the Gators' injury luck continues to be poor, now likely losing Bastian for some time. At the moment, the injury appears to be a compound fracture to his right leg according to DeLauder, though an official report will likely come in the near future.

The Gators are currently without head coach Kevin O'Sullivan, who is taking a leave of absence for personal reasons, with associate head coach Chuck Jeroloman taking over as the interim in his place. Florida will scrimmage Jacksonville on Oct. 31 for a exhibition before hosting Georgia Southern for its final fall exhibition on Nov. 9.

This article first appeared on Florida Gators on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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