Kentucky came into the season with a projected first-round MLB Draft pick on its roster. Tyler Bell was absolutely elite last year. And he genuinely had a chance to be the best player in the entire sport this season.
Things started well enough for the sophomore. He went 1-for-4 with a run, an RBI, and a walk in the season opener.
But then? Disaster struck.
As the star shortstop dove for a ground ball against UNC Greensboro, his shoulder got stuck in the turf. He immediately had to leave the game.
Kentucky has gone 5-2 without him in the lineup. But on Wednesday, head coach Nick Mingione finally gave Big Blue Nation the update they were desperately waiting for.
"He's progressing along. Feels like he's getting better and stronger," Mingione revealed on the UK Sports Network. "So he's taking his groundballs and he's taking BP now."
Mingione added, "Seems as he's progressing well so far."
A massive sigh of relief for Kentucky baseball
To be doing all of that just 12 days after the terrifying incident? That should mean Bell completely avoided a major injury. He is likely just being heavily protected during the early portion of the non-conference baseball season, as he should be.
If things continue to move in this positive direction, there is a real likelihood of seeing Bell back on the diamond when Kentucky officially opens SEC play against Alabama. That would be right at a month after the injury, and even that is an aggressive timeline for a shoulder injury.
But one thing is for certain. This recovery will move slowly, both Tyler and Kentucky will see to that.
This kid has massive potential. He will be a major pick in the MLB Draft this July, probably 1st round. This team will not rush him back, and he won't want to risk that either. Nor should he.
In his absence, Luke Lawrence has slid over to play shortstop and filled in admirably. He is currently hitting .364 with two doubles and eight RBI. But Bell's elite defense is definitely missed, with Lawrence fielding .947 and recording one error.
Bell's return can't come soon enough. But right now? Just knowing he is swinging a bat again is a massive win for a team that has postseason aspirations.