Tony Vitello reveals the opening weekend starting rotation for Tennessee baseball.
This weekend marks the commencement of the 2024 season for Tennessee baseball, as they travel to Arlington, Texas. During a media briefing on Wednesday, Vols coach Tony Vitello disclosed the starting rotation plans.
According to Vitello, on Friday night, sophomore RHP AJ Russell will take the mound in the season opener against No. 21 Texas Tech at 8 p.m. ET. The starting pitcher for Saturday’s game against Oklahoma at 8 p.m. will be junior RHP Drew Beam. As for the Sunday game against Baylor at 7:30 p.m., the starting pitcher is yet to be determined.
Vitello explained, “For now, it’ll be the second day against Oklahoma (for Beam). We’ll see how things go with Russell as far as pitch count and all that. We got a bunch of guys we want to get out of the bullpen for their first time wearing a Vol uniform. What we want outta this weekend is to get better and have a good experience. And if a guy can just get out there and wear that Vol uniform for the first time and compete, it’ll make everybody better and it’ll put a smile on our face.”
Drew Beam, who achieved a 9-4 record in 17 starts last season with a 3.63 ERA over 84.1 innings, will bring stability to the second day against Oklahoma. Vitello expressed confidence in Beam’s ability to handle various situations throughout the season, emphasizing his consistency and willingness to take on any role.
Vitello is also optimistic about AJ Russell’s development following his Freshman All-American recognition in the previous season. Vitello commented on Russell’s progress, saying, “I really like where AJ is at. He’s pitched in some big situations and always wants the ball, but now when you see him out there, it’s coming out of the hand a little bit even better. The off-speed continually gets better, and then he just looks more physical, too.”
Russell, a Franklin, Tenn. native, had an impressive rookie campaign with a 2-0 record, an ERA of 0.89 in 30.1 innings, and 47 strikeouts while giving up only three earned runs and seven walks.
The Vols’ home opener at the renovated Lindsey Nelson Stadium is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 20, against UNC Asheville. Subsequently, they will host East Tennessee State before engaging in their first home series of the season against Albany that weekend.
