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Tony Vitello gives injury updates on two key Vols

On3 imageby:Eric Cain•02/25/24•

_Cainer

Dean Curley
Credit: UT Athletics

Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello gave an injury update on a pair of key contributors for the Vols following his squad’s 12-0, run-rule win over Albany on Sunday to clinch the series-sweep.

Right-handed pitcher AJ Russell left Tennessee’s 8-5 win over Albany on Friday following three scoreless innings. Freshman shortstop Dean Curley exited the Vols’ win on Sunday in the fourth inning after being hit by a pitch in the back of the helmet.

Both appear to be in good shape.

“I don’t have any major update. I know that was a question yesterday,” the coach said on Russell while breaking off from a separate question. “But we’re going to be conservative with him and give him a few days. So, I don’t know if that means he’ll miss this weekend but he’s certainly going to not be at his pitch count for a couple weeks.

“There’s innings available. So, other than Beam kind of being the one solidified starter on the weekend, everyone else is going to have to mesh outs together for us.”

It will be intriguing to see when Russell takes the mound again. Vitello did not rule out his scheduled start on Friday against Bowling Green, but has said numerous times already this season to better be safe than sorry in the month of February. It feels like he’s in a good spot overall and avoided major injury, sources close to the situation told Volquest.  

If Russell does not make his next start, Tennessee could go a number of different directions. Freshmen Matthew Dallas and Derek Scheafer are options. Bullpen arms AJ Causey (who has pitched on Fridays each of the first two weeks) couldn’t also pitch a time or two around the lineup if he’s on.

Fellow bullpen arm, Nate Snead, is also an option – though he’s pitched on Sundays each othe first two weeks of the season.

As far as Tennessee’s young shortstop – it appears he’s in a really good spot despite having to leave Sunday’s game following a scare.

“Yeah, those guys did a good job. I don’t know what to do in that situation – I’m not a doctor so I’m just kind of staying out of the way. Doctor [Chris] Klenck is always in our dugout, which is awesome. He’s a superstar,” Vitello continued. “He and Woody [Jeff Wood] combined and put him through the natural protocol. But I think we even have some of our stuff from football equipment  – if I’m not mistaken. Again, I’m out of my element there. But he’s good. He’s good. We’ll see if we play it cautionary on Tuesday or not. This time of year, I kind of like doing it that way anyway. If he’s not playing on Tuesday, it’s kind of my choice and not his or Woody’s. So, that’s a good sign – especially for a guy who has missed a few games and a guy that is exciting to play.”

When Curley left the ballgame, Bradke Lohry came in to pinch run and then played second base. Christian Moore slid over to play shortstop. Curley has burst onto the scene, starting the final four games for the Vols while collecting four hits and a pair of three-run home runs.

Tennessee returns to Lindsey Nelson Stadium on Tuesday for a 4:30 pm eastern time first pitch against High Point.

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