The most puzzling managerial move of Tennessee baseball’s series loss against Kent State was Josh Elander’s failure to utilize freshman pitcher Cameron Appenzeller— especially in game three of the series as the Vols’ bullpen faltered.
Following the series finale loss, Elander said that Appenzeller was available but that they were continuing to monitor his pitch count and did not want to push anything.
While Arvidson did not pitch against Kent State, he threw 56 pitches in four innings pitched in the preceding midweek matchup against UNC Asheville. The left-handed pitcher returned to the mound against Bellarmine Tuesday night, but tossed just an inning this time.
Was the lighter workload part of a plan to keep him fresher ahead of Tennessee’s three games part of the Amegy Bank College Baseball Series this weekend in Texas?
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“Yes, 100%,” Elander said following the win. “I think (pitching coach Josh) Reyn(olds) and I sat down and talked about it extensively, and again, just how we did some of the pitching stuff like, again, we have the plan (and) you got to adjust on the fly. But I think with what he brings to the table with the strike throwing and stuff like we’re talking about, I won’t give you everything right now, but we’re starting about stacking those guys up with some different looks going into this weekend, and as we get closer to SEC play.”
Appenzeller has impressed early in his freshman season. Making three appearances this season, Appenzeller has posted a 2.57 ERA in seven innings pitched. He’s posted a 0.57 WHIP and eight strikeouts in an impressive start to the season.
After dropping two of three games against Kent State last week, Tennessee baseball heads on the road for a tough challenge this weekend in Texas. The Vols face No. 1 UCLA on Friday afternoon before a Saturday afternoon matchup against Arizona State and a Sunday morning matchup against Virginia Tech.
Tennessee’s offense has struggled early in the 2026 season. For a successful weekend in Arlington, Tennessee needs strong showings from its pitching staff. Appenzeller projects to be a major part of that plan.
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