After consecutive bad outings in SEC play, Cam Appenzeller approached Tennessee head coach Josh Elander about pitching in the Vols’ midweek matchup against West Georgia. Elander agreed, starting Appenzeller for the first time in his college career Tuesday night.
“I thought it was just good to get him back in his routine starting,” Elander said postgame. “He’s a rare guy where he’s presently, but also a huge piece of our future as well. So, when it comes to development, I think it’s good to get him back out there. The last two (outings) haven’t been as clean, I think, as anybody would like. Wanted him to be able to go through that full routine. I thought the breaking ball had a little bit more depth tonight. Just let him go through that and getting a little feel-good outing, I thought, was important before we got up to Lexington.”
Appenzeller pitched just one inning, retiring the side and striking out two batters around a two-out single. The freshman, who has struggled with his command as of late, threw 14 pitches and 10 strikes. Instead of throwing a bullpen, Appenzeller got a bit on in-game work instead.
Elander noted postgame that Tennessee will probably mix up its starting weekend rotation against Kentucky this weekend. And while getting Appenzeller starting experience was part of the reasoning for the move, Elander said the decision was more about getting Appenzeller back on the mound after a rocky few outings.
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“Just wanted to get him back out there and let him go through the normal day,” Elander said. “Get him in the good routine. Let him know, ‘Hey, he’s got one inning no matter what.’ But also too, it’s one of those deals, you can check two boxes at one time. He’s so easy going. He wants the ball. He’s a quiet kid, but he’s ultra-competitive. But he’s the one who came up to me with the idea. Was like he wanted to start today. I want to throw. So again, that’s a good thing when you hear that.”
What could Tennessee’s pitching changes look like this weekend? Landon Mack has struggled in three straight starts while Tegan Kuhns finding his rhythm over the last month.
The Vols are just 2-7 in SEC series openers this season. As they try and find their footing to begin weekends, Tennessee could move Kuhns back to the Friday night spot. Mack could remain in the starting rotation or the Vols could insert either of their top relievers, Appenzeller and Brandon Arvidson, back into the starting rotation.
Tennessee opens its three-game series against Kentucky at 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday night. The SEC Network+ is streaming the three-game series.
