Tyler Bell injury: Nick Mingione provides update on freshman shortstop

Tyler Bell was a scratch from Kentucky baseball’s lineup during Saturday’s elimination game at the Clemson Regional against USC Upstate. Wildcats head coach Nick Mingione revealed the latest on where the freshman shortstop stands in his injury recovery.

“He’s available, maybe for a pinch hit or something like that,” Mingione revealed during an interview in the third inning against the Spartans. “It’s hard to keep him out, but yeah. Every single game during the whole year, I have penciled that name (Tyler Bell) right there, but not today. If he can’t go, nobody can go.”

Bell, who was injured after a foul ball bounced off his knee during the first inning of Friday’s loss to West Virginia, was in uniform in the Kentucky dugout on Saturday. Mingione wouldn’t be surprised if he jumped at the opportunity to enter the game on Saturday if need be.

The freshman standout continued to play in the Clemson Regional opening matchup despite not appearing 100%. He didn’t record a hit, but was still effective as he drew two walks while striking out once during his three at-bats.

Bell’s injury followed a nearly three-hour delay due to inclement weather in the Clemson area. When the game began, Kentucky was able to jump out to a 3-0 lead. In the end, Kentucky would lose the game in walk-off fashion after a West Virginia walk-off sacrifice fly.

West Virginia had a runner on third base, and Armani Guzman popped a ball up to shallow center. Kentucky center fielder Griffin Cameron was able to make a diving grab for the out, but missed on the throw home. If the throw to the plate had been accurate, it likely would have been tough beating the runner home.

In turn, Kentucky has been forced to face elimination from the NCAA Tournament without the services of its everyday shortstop. At the time when Mingione provided the update on Bell, the Wildcats were leading 3-0. It wouldn’t be much longer before the Spartans tied the game.

Kentucky would go on to take the lead via a Patrick Herrera sacrifice bunt in the bottom of the sixth inning. UK added three more insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, securing the victory for the Wildcats.

The win allowed Kentucky to survive and advance in the Clemson Regional. The Wildcats will play the loser of regional host Clemson and West Virginia in another elimination matchup.