Why isn't AJ Russell pitching for Tennessee baseball? Tony Vitello updates pitcher's status
AJ Russell might not pitch again for Tennessee baseballl until April, Vols coach Tony Vitello said Sunday.
Russell made his debut for the Vols on Feb. 25 after returning from Tommy John surgery. He has not pitched since, but it is not due to any setbacks or health concerns.
'I think it is kind of take a deep breath, recalibrate mode and kind of start a new throwing program to prepare him more to be a starter opposed to he came in the other day and just got three outs,' Vitello said.
Russell struck out three batters against North Alabama in his first outing since undergoing elbow surgery in June following an injury-plagued sophomore season.
Vitello said Russell made such dramatic progress in his return, which allowed him to get back on the mound quickly. But the Vols and 'all parties involved' decided to pump the brakes on his ascension into a key role on Tennessee's pitching staff.
RETURN: Inside AJ Russell's return to Tennessee baseball against North Alabama
"Let's take a deep breath and look out for the long run of what we are trying to do with our season and his career combined," Vitello said.
This story will be updated.
Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on X @ByMikeWilson or Bluesky @bymikewilson.bsky.social. If you enjoy Mike's coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: AJ Russell: Tony Vitello updates Tennessee pitcher's status
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