USC pitcher Grant Govel has decided to return for his junior season after being drafted in the 16th round by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

I didn’t expect Govel to turn pro but if he had, USC would have been in a dire position. As it is, the Trojans have still suffered severe losses in the transfer portal and still might not be good next season.

With his return, at least USC knows it has its No. 1 pitcher and can count on him every Friday night during the season. Govel was 10-3 last season with a 2.87 ERA.