Jared Dickey provides health update after injury-filled 2022 season

The 2022 season saw Tennessee go 56-7, winning the SEC and the SEC Tournament. However, one key player, Jared Dickey, missed chunks of the season due to injuries.

Now, Dickey has provided an update on his health ahead of the 2023 season.

“I’m really excited to get a full year – hopefully – knock on wood,” Jared Dickey said. “I’m feeling pretty good right now. It was really difficult having to sit out during that year, simply because it was so much fun being on the field with those guys.”

In many respects, Jared Dickey is an all-purpose tool for Tennessee. To make a run at winning the College World Series, the Volunteers need him to be healthy.

“I think every single guy in the dugout and on the field had each other’s backs, loved each other and wanted the best for one another. So, being on the bench and seeing the guys succeed was really awesome, but obviously I wanted to be out there. Hopefully this year, we can stay out there for the whole year and continue to contribute for the team.”

Tennessee starts its season on February 17th for the MLB Desert Invitational against Arizona.

Jared Dickey on his batting approach

This season, Jared Dickey is looking to be more aggressive at the plate. This is because of his traditional approach to hitting.

“It’s not something that I’m used to. In high school, I batted towards the middle of the order – usually fourth or third. I would always get first-pitch off-speed. I’m always hunting the heater and adjusting to the off-speed pitches. Being a leadoff [hitter] and not really knowing where I’m going to be this year, I just know I’m going to be getting a lot of off-speed pitches this year just because of how aggressive I was on the first-pitch fastballs a year ago. It’s something I take a lot of pride in, being aggressive in the counts,” Dickey explained.

However, there is an expectation that Jared Dickey is going to be the leadoff hitter. This means his approach is going to change.

“I definitely think it’s something that we could see just depending on what coach V thinks is best. Simply because, we have so many guys with so much potential on the team. It’s something I really take pride in and something I like a lot. It’s kind of like – you’re the energy setter for the team. If you come up, swing at the first pitch and hit a double or hit a single, you’re on base and everyone is fired up. Everyone behind you is wanting to get you in. It sets the tone for the day, depending on your first at-bat and whenever you come up next.”