LSU baseball Coach Smoke Laval said the Tigers will keep the same starting lineup from the 15-3 Feb. 14 defeat of Centenary in this weekend’s series against Tennessee Tech.
But they’ll be missing centerfielder Jarred Bogany who tore a tendon sheath in his right wrist during pregame batting practice against Centenary on Tuesday. Bogany will be unable to practice for at least two weeks.
“It’s supposed to heal by itself,” Bogany said. “In between two to three weeks, I’m going to try to get back swinging the bat.”
Bogany is one of three starters on the injury list along with infielders Chris Jackson and Jordan Mayer.
“[We] don’t really have a choice,” Laval said. “[Injuries are] something we’ve got to overcome.”
Freshman J.T. Wise will play first base, and junior Steven Waguespack will start in leftfield. Senior leftfielder Bruce Sprowl will remain in center field because of Bogany’s injury. Laval said the team will likely rotate freshmen Nicholas Pontiff, Buzzy Haydel and Jason Ogata in the lineup throughout the weekend.
Senior third baseman Will Harris said the injuries have affected the Tigers’ ability to change to new bunt and sacrifice strategy.
“You’re not able to get as much chemistry as you’d like going into SEC play,” Harris said. “You don’t have a choice.”
Harris said junior Steven Waguespack is an example of a player who can step in and help the team. Waguespack has hit .500 in four games this season in Mayer’s absence.
“We’ve all been playing together since August,” Harris said.
Laval said the team will focus its attention this weekend on improving its short game and not stranding runners in scoring position.
The Tigers laid down five sacrifice bunts last weekend against the University of North Florida compared with 22 in all of 2005.
“Teams in the past, we’ve still tried to do this [but] maybe not as much as a command,” Harris said.
He said learning the new system demands discipline at the plate and constant practice.
“The more Coach Smoke drills it in our heads how important it is – then guys will be able to go up there and execute,” Harris said. “It’s more about repetition and guys really trusting themselves and not getting tense.”
The Tigers open up the series tonight at 6:30 p.m. in Alex Box Stadium. Games two and three will be played at 2 p.m. Saturday and at 1 p.m Sunday.
 
MAYER INJURY UPDATE
Sophomore first baseman Jordan Mayer returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since fracturing his left thumb three weeks ago after sliding in a rundown in spring practice.
“We’re not going to rush into anything,” Mayer said. “It was a test day, and it felt fine.” Mayer only threw and caught but did not bat during practice.
Mayer said the injury is healing a little faster than expected but said he still needs to begin hitting again.
“Ever since I had my injury, I’ve been out here hanging out with the guys, watching practice,” Mayer said. “But watching and playing is two different things.”
Mayer said he would like to return for the SEC opener against Kentucky on March 17.
 
Contact Kyle Whitfield at [email protected]