Eeditor’s note: This story has been updated from its original version to include Texas A&M manager Jim Schlossnagle’s postgame update on Jace LaViolette’s hamstring injury.
Texas A&M baseball is already without star outfielder Braden Montgomery, and the Aggies could be at risk of losing another star.
In the top of the sixth inning of Monday’s College World Series game against Kentucky, Aggies star outfielder Jace LaViolette moved from first to third on a double down the right field line by Jackson Appel. The right fielder held the back of his hamstring while standing at third. After being treated by a Texas A&M athletic trainer, LaViolette remained in the game.
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However, one pitch later, as LaViolette came home to score on an RBI single by Hayden Schott, he limped toward home and showed considerable pain.
Here’s another look at LaViolette holding his hamstring while standing at third base:
Jace LaViolette injury update
ESPN cameras showed LaViolette briefly leaving the dugout. He then returned at the start of the sixth.
ESPN reporter Kris Budden reported on the show that LaViolette returned to the Aggies clubhouse twice to have his hamstring taped. Additionally, Budden said she has yet to see LaViolette attempt to climb up and down the dugout.
LaViolette would come to bat in the sixth as the Aggies hit in the lineup. The ESPN camera showed LaViolette limping as he walked to the plate. He would retreat looking at the stick.
LaViolette was removed from the game as the Aggies returned to the field in the bottom of the sixth. Jack Bell came in to replace LaViolette in the lineup, with Caden Sorrell moving from left field to right to take LaViolette’s place. Gavin Grahovac moved from third base to left field and Kaeden Kent moved from second base to third. Bell took over at second base.
LaViolette finished his day 1 for 3 at the plate for the Aggies with a walk and a run scored.
After the game, Texas A&M manager Jim Schlossnagle told the assembled media in Omaha that LaViolette “had a little bit of a hamstring injury.” He mentioned that the team will see LaViolette’s status for Wednesday’s CWS semifinal game in the coming days, depending on how he feels.
“We’ll see. He hurt his hamstring a little bit, luckily we’re not playing tomorrow,” Schlossnagle said. “So we’ve had hopefully a little less than 48 hours to see if we can make it functional to do something on the field. … But the last two weeks we’ve been losing players left and right. It gives the other guys opportunities, so hopefully we’ll make a good story.
