Alabama pitcher Montana Fouts available for Super Regional vs. Northwestern

Alabama made their way through the Tuscaloosa regional without star player Montana Fouts. Suffering a hyperextended knee on her left leg, Fouts was not made available by head coach Patrick Murphy. But now that the Crimson Tide are gearing up for the Super Regional, we are close to seeing her back in the circle.

Murphy confirmed Fouts would play at some point against Northwestern but did not reveal his exact plan. The news comes on Thursday afternoon, with first pitch of Game 1 scheduled for Friday night at 7 p.m. at Rhoades Stadium.

You could say someone is ready to make a return.

“She was very excited,” Murphy said Thursday via AL.com. “She FaceTimed me this morning and has gone over to see Dr. [Lyle] Cain again and the [physical therapist], and they both are working overtime. I don’t want to possibly say miracles, but they’ve been doing great. So that was the most excited I have heard her or seen her.

“So hopefully she’s coming back from Birmingham with our athletic trainer and probably will throw today in the bullpen. She threw yesterday and as the days have gone along, it’s gotten better and better.”

Fouts has not pitched since May 11 against Arkansas in the SEC Tournament. Her injury occurred late in the seventh inning after throwing 6.2 innings, giving up just one run. An ace for Alabama during her time in Tuscaloosa, her return is going to be crucial.

Patrick Murphy breaks down rehab of Montana Fouts

It’s been two weeks since Fouts’ injury, with some intense rehab going on. Murphy described what Fouts has been through over in Birmingham, trying to get back healthy and finish out her Alabama career in the right way.

“At first it was basically on a chair — you eliminate the lower half — or on a bucket, and arm circles,” Murphy said. “And then gradually they got the brace, fitted her for this specific brace and then eventually she got to take a stride.

“They re-adjusted the brace, did something different — way above my pay grade and smarts — and then they asked her, ‘How did it feel?’ And based on the feedback, they re-adjusted the brace. And then the other day, she said it felt fine. That’s the first time she’s said that.”

We do not know exactly when Fouts will pitch but Murphy said she will be out there. Alabama will be looking to get back to Oklahoma City for the Women’s College World Series and if the goal is accomplished, you can bet Fouts will have played a huge role.