Right-handed pitcher AJ Russell is starting for Tennessee baseball in its midweek matchup against Tennessee Tech on Tuesday afternoon.
It’s the second time that Russell has pitched this season but just the first time since Feb. 25. Russell made his season-debut in a midweek matchup against North Alabama, striking out the side on 17 pitches in his only inning pitched.
The midweek start was the first time that Russell had pitched in a game since last season’s SEC Tournament and it was just 259 days after he underwent Tommy John Surgery before Tennessee left for Omaha and the College World Series.
While Russell had no setbacks following the outing, Tennessee decided to slow him down because of how quickly he was able to pitch in games following the surgery. Early April was the original target date for Russell to return to the mound in games, so the Vols decided to slow him down until then.
“Zero,” Vitello said on if there were setbacks. “Not even close, the opposite. No setbacks, got going too fast and so hold your horses.”
Russell was Tennessee’s Opening Day starter in 2024, striking out 10 batters in an overpowering 4.1 innings against Texas Tech. But Russell exited his second start of the season with arm soreness and was never able to fully recovery.
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In 44.2 career innings pitched, Russell’s posted a 2.22 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and has struck out 68 batters. He has as high a ceiling as any pitcher in Tennessee baseball’s staff. Some MLB Draft experts view Russell as a potential first round selection in the 2025 MLB Draft with his high-90s fastball with movement and elite sweeper.
Tennessee baseball is 26-2 (8-1 SEC) to this point in the season and is the unanimous No. 1 team in the country as they look to go back-to-back as national champions. In their first three SEC series, the Vols have swept Florida and South Carolina with a series win at Alabama.
As good as Tennessee has been to this point in the season, they could use another reliable arm in its pitching staff. Liam Doyle and Marcus Phillips are locked into the Friday and Saturday starting roles, respectively. Tennessee has not announced its Sunday starting pitcher ahead of SEC series but freshman Tegan Kuhns has been effective in that role, especially the last two weeks.
First pitch between Tennessee and Tennessee Tech is at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday night. The SEC Network+ is streaming the game.
