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Why didn’t Jay Abernathy start for Tennessee opening weekend?

On3 imageby:Eric Cain•02/17/25•

_Cainer

Jay Abernathy. Credit: Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Jay Abernathy. Credit: Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Tennessee freshman Jay Abernathy begins his collegiate career as one of the most talented freshmen in the country, according to several major outlets.

The No. 61 prospect in the 2024 cycle (Perfect Game) absolutely crushed the offseason for the Vols and was arguably the most impressive newcomer to the roster in the fall – freshmen and transfer alike.     

He was the ‘starting’ left fielder in the annual ‘Pizza Series’ leading up to Opening Day and made several highlight reel plays in the outfield throughout preseason practices and scrimmages.

Though a true freshman, it certainly looked as if he was going to be Tennessee’s Opening Day starter in left field. He wasn’t. In fact, he didn’t start any of the three-game sweep over Hofstra this past week despite appearing in all three contests.

What gives?

“Me having a weird brain, sitting up in the office longer than I should and kind of coming up with different stuff,” Tony Vitello answered when asked why Abernathy didn’t start any of the series. “I kind of liked the idea of, we went with some older guys, if it was kind of close, try to get some mature guys out there. I like the idea where you can pick a spot where he pinch runs in the middle of the game, you kind of give him a cheater’s start.”

Abernathy did just that in Friday’s 15-0 win against Hofstra, pinch running for Andrew Fischer after walking in the fourth inning. He stayed in the game and played left field before shifting down to second base in the seventh and final inning of the run-rule rout.        

The freshman did the same in Saturday’s 18-1 win over the Pride, pinch running for Reese Chapman who singled in the fifth inning. Abernathy entered as a defensive replacement in Sunday’s sixth inning for Gavin Kilen when the game was all but over.  

“A base stealers, you know Rickey Henderson, he’s got to get on first base in order to steal second,” Vitello continued. “So, you can give Jay a cheater’s start if somebody is already on base and you pinch run. Because he can play a bunch of different positions, I think we can do that throughout the year.”

Abernathy recorded a pair of hits, drove in a run and scored twice in three games this weekend.

The rookie can play second base, and did this weekend, but he is battling to start in left field this year. Veteran Dalton Bargo drew the Opening Day start while freshman Chris Newstrom started the final two games of the series and took advantage of his opportunity with two hits and four runs driven in – the highlight being a three-run double on Saturday.

“You guys were at scrimmages,” Vitello told some media members. “He could very easily walk up to that office and say, ‘I deserve a start.’ And all I could do is shake my head and say, ‘You’re right.’ But it’s nice that we have some other guys that could do that, too.”       

Tennessee is back in action Tuesday against UNC Asheville beginning at 4:30 pm Eastern Time from Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

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