Kentucky starting outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt suffered a season-altering knee injury this summer while playing in the Cape Cod League, according to a report.

Kentucky Sports Radio’s Adam Luckett was first to share that news on Monday. Waldschmidt is expected to miss approximately 8 months, but could return before the end of next season.

That’s a big blow for the Wildcats, as Waldschmidt was one of Kentucky’s most consistent hitters last season. He hit .290 on the season and finished the year with an OPS of .872, which ranked 4th on the team.

He hit 5 homers, 14 doubles and drove in 37 runs on the year. He’s also one of the Kentucky’s top base-stealers — he was successful on 17-of-19 attempts in 2023.

Waldschmidt was named to the Lexington Regional all-tournament team for his strong performance in the postseason.

Waldschmidt just finished his first season in Lexington. He transferred to UK last offseason after beginning his collegiate career at Charleston Southern.

Kentucky reached the Super Regional round for just the 2nd time in program history this past season. The Wildcats will be looking to carry that momentum into 2024.