No. 7 Texas A&M (36-11, 15-9 SEC) entered the weekend knowing that freshman third baseman Nico Partida would miss his third consecutive game after suffering a hamstring injury against Auburn last weekend, taking one of the program’s best bats and reliable defenders out of the lineup indefinitely.
Combined with Maryland transfer Chris Hacopian’s various injury issues, leading to his current DH role, Texas A&M’s injury issues continued to mount on Friday night, as freshman shortstop Boston Kellner, who has started every game this season, was hit by a pitch in the face, similar to Hacopian’s scary facial injury suffered against LSU.
While the specifics regarding Kellner’s status have not been revealed by coach Mike Earley, the freshman is officially listed as out for Saturday’s doubleheader, placing another hole in the starting lineup. Batting ninth, I’d expect Sawyer Farr and Travis Chesnut to take over at second base and shortstop, while Ben Royo is also an option.
After a hot start at the plate, Kellner’s .248/.432/.418 slash line is above average, but it is the lowest in the starting lineup, but his .927% fielding will be missed, especially if Saturday is another close game where every ground ball and double-play opportunity is critical to winning or losing.
Texas A&M will face Ole Miss in the first game of the doubleheader at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M freshman SS will miss doubleheader vs. Ole Miss
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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