Tony Vitello addresses the timeline, reasoning for his suspension

Tony Vitello is back in the dugout for Tennessee, recently serving a three-game suspension. Issues regarding the eligibility of Kansas shortstop transfer Maui Ahuna have caused problems in Knoxville but for now, everything seems smoothed over. Ahuna made his debut against Charleston Southern.

The suspension with Vitello was directly related to the Ahuna situation, the head coach said after Tuesday’s win. Vitello said the goal was to help get Ahuna back on the field as soon as possible, no matter what it took. Everyone involved with Tennessee was involved in the decision.

“Talking with administration, anyone for me to talk to really,” Vitello said. “You want to make the right decision but you’re under the gun with the timeline. We — when I say ‘we’, everyone you can think of — would be involved in that action and wanted to support the kid. Just wanted to do whatever we thought was right to get him back on the field. It was a contributing factor hopefully in getting him back in there.”

Tennessee was ready to play in the season opener against Arizona before the eligibility concerns regarding Ahuna came into question. The shortstop missed the first eight games of the season after spending the last two seasons with Kansas. His bat will be a welcomed presence in the Vols lineup.

A small impact was made by Ahunda against Charleston Southern. He finished one for four, recording his only hit in the sixth inning with a single up the middle.

As for Vitello, the head coach will be good to go for the rest of the season after missing the weekend series against Dayton. Big expectations now surround the Tennessee baseball program, wanting to make another trip to the College World Series.

Tennessee fans applaud Maui Ahuna in debut

The 2023 season has not gotten off to the start Tennessee wanted. The eligibility of shortstop Maui Ahuna was put in question and even caused head coach Tony Vitello to serve a three-game suspension. Plus, two opening losses out West put a damper on high preseason expectations.

However, the Volunteers are back on the up. Vitello is back on the sidelines and they are currently riding a six-game winning streak. Ahuna was even able to make his debut on Rocky Top during a mid-week series at home against Charleston Southern.

As Ahuna’s name was announced throughout Lindsey Nelson Stadium, a big applause came through. Tennessee fans are happy to see the Kansas transfer finally on the diamond, hoping to make a major impact.

You can check out the full moment here.

Maui Ahuna szn is here pic.twitter.com/oa9JzsnV3f

— 11Point7: The College Baseball Podcast 🎙 (@11point7) February 28, 2023