Notes and Quotes on Husker Baseball

Nebraska Baseball Head Coach Darin Erstad held his weekly press conference this afternoon. Out of all the news and notes, here are some storylines to follow in the next two weeks before the season starts.

Injuries

Erstad said that besides the expected scrapes and bruises from a full week of practice, that the team is relatively healthy. Derek Burkamper is continuing to work his way back from shoulder tightness and could throw out of the pen next weekend.

Jake McSteen and Jake Hohensee are both expected to be back in time for the season opener down in Tempe. Erstad said he would be careful, and not pitch any previously injured pitcher more than one time during a weekend.

Zack Engelken will be out until at least mid-March, as he continues recovering from surgery as well.

Pitching Notes

With the Huskers playing eight games in the first two weekends combined, expect a number of different pitchers to be used. Erstad cautioned to not read much into the rotation he starts in the first weekend, as he pointed out how much it changed last season.

Paul Tillotson is projected to join the rotation, replacing Burkamper who will work a swing roll out of the bullpen. Matt Waldron and Jake Meyers return to anchor down the last two spots in the rotation.

Erstad has said the Luis Alvarado will get the opportunity to pitch more, as he is very raw but has high potential. Likewise, Ben Miller will get more opportunities on the mound, as the Huskers hope to have a deep staff of relief pitches