The Tennessee Vols got what everyone hopes to see heading into a crucial event: a clean injury report.
The SEC released its weekly availability report on Thursday night, and the Vols had no one on the list, outside of Alberto Osuna, who remains ineligible.
Both INF Gavin Kilen and pitcher AJ Russell found themselves off the report. However, that being said, it sounds like Russell still might not be a go this weekend based on Tony Vitello’s comments from this week. As he’s coming back from Tommy John surgery – and quickly – that takes a very careful approach, and one that looks like Tennessee is handling cautiously. Russell pitched on Tuesday during the Vols’ win over Alabama State, throwing for 2 innings with one hit, no runs, and 2 strikeouts.
Kilen has been dealing with a hamstring injury since before the Alabama series, and while he’s off the report, it’s also likely Vitello is cautious with working him back in. Still, even if he’s DHing, Kilen’s bat has been outstanding this year, as he’s bashed the ball with a .425 average with 10 home runs, 25 RBIs, and a .973 slugging percentage. That would be a big boost to the offense.
It’s a top 10 matchup in Oxford this weekend, with the Vols looking to rebound from a series loss to Texas A&M by taking a resume-building series over Ole Miss. The Rebels sit at 8-4 in the SEC play, one game back of Tennessee. The series gets underway tonight at 7:30 pm ET.