Tennessee baseball’s shortstop Ariel Antigua will be sidelined for several weeks due to a hand injury.
Tennessee baseball’s Ariel Antigua will be sidelined for the start of the season due to injury, as confirmed by a UT spokesperson to Knox News. The promising freshman shortstop is grappling with a hand injury, expected to keep him out of action for multiple weeks. The Vols are scheduled to kick off their season from Feb. 16-18 in the Shriners Children’s Showdown in Arlington, Texas.
Head Coach Tony Vitello previously identified Antigua as a top contender for the shortstop position, drawing on praise from teammates and coaches for the 5-foot-8 newcomer. However, with Antigua sidelined, the competition for the shortstop role includes junior Christian Moore, who transitioned from second base after a standout performance last season. Another option is freshman Dean Curley, a highly regarded prospect from California ranked No. 129 nationally by Perfect Game.
Vitello emphasized the importance of having multiple options for the position, citing players like Bradke Lohry and Alex Perry, who can also provide depth at shortstop and second base. Despite the uncertainty, Vitello expressed confidence that the team will find the right fit, particularly as the season progresses into SEC play.
Antigua, hailing from Lake Worth, Florida, earned recognition as the No. 137 prospect in the nation upon signing with UT. Vitello praised Antigua’s dedication and potential during fall baseball, highlighting the need for consistency and defensive proficiency as areas for improvement.
“He can make or even hit to the point where it’s a SportsCenter-type effort,” Vitello remarked in November. “But what we need out of him is the consistency day in and day out.”
