The University of Alabama’s lineup won’t be getting any reinforcements from injured players this week, Greg Goff said on Monday.
Centerfielder Gene Wood, who hasn’t played since suffering a knee injury on April 9 against Ole Miss, will miss the remainder of the season. He underwent surgery this week. Wood started 23 games for Alabama baseball and was batting .253 with a .349 on-base percentage.
“He was really getting hot at the right time and was really playing well for us,” Goff said. “He’s done for the year.”
Junior Hunter Alexander, who had played first base and right field, remains out with a torn ligament in his finger sustained against Texas A&M on April 13. Alexander was batting .298 with a team-leading 25 RBIs when he was injured. He’s expected to play again this year, but will miss Alabama’s games against Jacksonville State and LSU at least.
“He was going to see the doctor again today,” Goff said. “He tried to swing on Thursday during BP before the game and just couldn’t do it. He’s a tough kid.”
The Alabama outfield has limited options with those two players out. Sophomore Chandler Taylor remains an every day starter. Freshmen Walker McCleney and Logan Carey have both played center field since Wood’s injury. Carey and sophomore Sam Finnerty, who also pitches out of the bullpen, have played left field since Alexander was injured. Those four players comprise most of Alabama’s remaining strength in the outfield.
