Awaiting the Right Moment
Tennessee baseball coach Josh Elander provided a measured update on right‑hander Landon Mack, who remains day‑to‑day with general arm soreness. The pitcher missed his scheduled start against Texas on Sunday, a pre‑game decision that was known to the staff. Elander stressed that Mack will only return when he is fully ready, underscoring the program’s commitment to player health.
Mack’s season has been a study in resilience. He sits at 4‑4 with a 4.67 ERA across 12 starts, having struck out 77 batters in 61.2 innings while walking 25, the most on the staff. His most recent outing on May 3 against Kentucky showcased his ability to adapt, as he fanned six and yielded just one run over six innings, tweaking his delivery to hide the ball and even experimenting with a new glove to conceal the baseball.
Looking Ahead
The Vols are now turning their attention to their final SEC series against Oklahoma, set to begin on Thursday. With Mack unavailable, freshman Taylor Tracey got the nod in the Texas game, but the youngster’s debut was rocky and the bullpen struggled. Elander expressed excitement about Mack’s eventual return, noting that the right‑hander has the makings of a future major‑league pitcher and that the team will provide him with the highest level of care.
Beyond the immediate matchup, the coach’s comments reflect a broader philosophy: patience over pressure, development over shortcuts. As the Vols close out their conference slate, the focus remains on integrating Mack back into the rotation at the right time, ensuring that his contributions can help the team finish strong and perhaps earn a spotlight at the next level.