Mike Gambino Monday Media Notebook: MLB Desert Invitational

Penn State baseball head coach Mike Gambino addressed the media on Monday afternoon ahead of the MLB Desert Invitational to kick off the 2026 season.

1. Opening Weekend Rotation Announced

Gambino told reporters that Maine transfer right-handed pitcher Colin Fitzgerald will be on the bump for the season opener against Air Force on Friday. Fitzgerald was tabbed as one of three Nittany Lions to be a Big Ten Player to Watch on Wednesday.

West Virginia transfer left-handed pitcher Benjamin Hudson is set to follow Fitzgerald as the Saturday starter against Grand Canyon. Hudson had 17 appearances out of the bullpen, with his lone start coming in a 3-2 loss to his new team last April.

True freshman Isaiah Shayter has been tasked with closing out the Arizona trip as the Sunday starter against Kansas State. Shayter will be the second true freshman to start the opening weekend of the season during the Penn State tenure of the Mike Gambino era, the first being Mason Butash against Army in 2024.

2. Briefing The Infield

Gambino said that Vanderbilt transfer infielder Jayden Davis will be at second baseman “all weekend,” though there will be some adjustments elsewhere inside the dirt for the MLB Desert Invitational.

Bryce Molinaro, who has famously been stationed at the hot corner in every game he’s played as a Nittany Lion, will be “playing some shortstop,” per Gambino. Molinaro was the No. 12 shortstop in the Perfect Game Pennsylvania Class of 2022 rankings and saw some time as a shortstop during the fall.

Gambino also announced that West Virginia transfer Spencer Barnett and Tampa transfer Kevin Karstetter will both play at first base. Both players have shown their power in big moments, as Barnett hit a home run against Penn State last April and Karstetter hit a game-tying three run home run in last year’s Division II World Series. Barnett will also be at the hot corner for some time.

3. High Praise For Yaucher

Gambino said that true freshman infielder Preston Yaucher has “got a chance to be really, really special” as the infield has gained depth over the offseason. Yaucher was mixing in with Barnett at third base and shortstop during the fall.

Yaucher will have “one or two starts this weekend,” said Gambino. The top-ranked shortstop in the Perfect Game Wisconsin Class of 2025 rankings has been marked by his “athleticism,” “arm strength” and “hands” which have helped him catch “up to the speed of the game here [in college].”

Yaucher’s first impression was during the summer while playing for the Burlington Sock Puppets of the Appalachian League, batting around the .300 mark and driving in 40 runs. His success carried over into fall ball with the Nittany Lions, showing off great fielding at the hot corner.

4. Outfield Plans For The Weekend

Gambino said that the depth of the team, including the outfield, is “the best we’ve had since we’ve been here [in 2024],” as Pitt-Johnstown transfer Justin Turcovski and Trinity (TX) transfer Maddox McDonald join the squad this year.

The addition of Arkansas transfer two-way player Michael Anderson has also been key for Gambino, with him planning to “factor into our outfield.” Anderson played five games as a left fielder for the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod League this summer. Anderson is also dealing with some back tightness, Gambino said, though it only will affect the decision of his status at right field for the short term.

Gambino also feels “pretty confident” that Cohl Mercado will be in center field, with Jesse Jaconski accompanying him at left field. Gambino said as well that Porter will be in the lineup for the season opener on Sunday, though whether he will play right field or designated hitter is still to be determined.