Tennessee right-handed pitcher Tanner Wiggins had surgery late Saturday night after a foul ball struck him in the face during game two of the Vols’ weekend series against Kentucky.
“He’s still going through a rough patch, because he ended up having to have surgery,” Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello told Voice of Vol baseball John Wilkerson before game three of the weekend series. “He had a fracture in that facial area or jaw area, so had to have that reconstructed or stabilized, and it sounds like everything with that at least went well. So obviously, all prayers and thoughts with him.”
Kentucky’s Carson Hansen sharply lined the foul ball 104 mph off his bat before hitting Wiggins in the face. Wiggins immediately fell to the ground in the dugout with the game briefly stopping.
Tennessee trainer Jeff Wood helped Wiggins back into the home clubhouse before play resumes and Wiggins went to the hospital and eventually had the surgery.
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“He’s now back at home in his apartment, which to me, is impressive following surgery on his jaw, and he sent a message (Sunday),” Vitello told Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara on SportsTalk Monday morning. “The one thing about Tanner that’s pretty unique is, I honestly can’t find anything negative to tell you. He’s a kid who came in with a lot of fanfare, and could have been a draft pick last year, and hasn’t been able to throw the ball quite as well as capable, but his opportunities have been limited, too.”
Wiggins is a sophomore who transferred to Tennessee from Weatherford Junior College over the offseason. He’s made four appearances this season, allowing no runs while striking out four in 2.1 innings pitched.
“With Wiggy, I know he wants to throw the ball a little better, get some more innings this year, but literally, not a negative I can come up with about the kid,” Vitello said. “So feel for him, and like I said, prayers and thoughts with his family.”
It’s unclear if or when Wiggins will be able to return to the field this season for the Vols. Tennessee baseball is back in action on Tuesday night when the Vols host Lipscomb at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. First pitch is at 6 p.m. ET and the SEC Network+ is broadcasting the game.
