Tennessee’s ace left‑hander Landon Mack will not take the mound on Saturday as the Vols open the final game of their weekend series against Oklahoma. The decision comes after the pitcher reported persistent arm soreness that has lingered through recent outings.
Coach Josh Elander addressed the media before the game, emphasizing that Mack’s availability for the upcoming SEC Tournament remains uncertain. “We’re taking it day by day,” Elander said, noting that the organization’s medical staff is closely monitoring Mack’s recovery.
Mack’s recent performance had shown signs of improvement. In his last start against Kentucky on May 3 he delivered one of his strongest outings of the season, striking out a career‑high seven batters while limiting the opposition to three runs. To protect his arm, he has been experimenting with a new glove designed to conceal the ball better and adjusting his delivery to reduce stress on the elbow.
The Vols have turned to younger arms in Mack’s absence. Freshman right‑hander Taylor Tracey made his first collegiate start against Texas on Sunday, but the outing got off to a rocky start and the subsequent relief effort faltered, leaving the team scrambling for answers. In the upcoming finale, Tennessee will hand the ball to another freshman, Chandler Day, who has been praised for his poise on the mound.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setbacks, the Vols have secured two victories over Oklahoma earlier in the series, including a 9‑7 win in the opener and a 9‑4 triumph in the second game. The momentum carries added weight as the team looks toward the SEC Tournament, where Mack’s eventual return could provide a much‑needed boost.
The broader context of the schedule includes previous matchups against Texas, Kentucky and Ole Miss, all of which have tested the Vols’ depth. With the SEC Tournament on the horizon, the coaching staff remains focused on preserving player health while maintaining competitive edge.