The decision to return for a fifth collegiate season has put Sam Stoutenborough back on Major League Baseball scouts’ draft boards, as the senior has evolved in the second half of the season for Texas Christian University.

The Palma product, who entered the portal after four years at Cal (including pandemic season), helped pitched TCU into the College World Series with five plus solid innings, allowing just five hits in a title clinching win over Indiana State.

Over his last six starts for the Horned Frogs, the 6-foot-2 right-hander has averaged 5.2 innings, with the team winning all six of his outings.

On the season, Stoutenborough is 5-0 with 55 strikeouts in 66 innings of work, posting a 4.52 earned run average. His 20 appearances — nine starts — are second of the team.

Drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in 2018, the former Herald Player of the Year went 14-4 over his final two seasons at Palma, with 168 strikeouts in 131 innings, compiling a 0.75 earned run average.