Adrian Rodriguez expected to be back ‘in some form’ for Texas vs. Alabama
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas head baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle said shortstop Adrian Rodriguez will return “in some form,” against Alabama in a 3-game series starting Friday. Rodriguez had been out for two weeks after having staples removed from his surgically repaired left hand that was causing an allergic reaction. He had surgery in the offseason to fix a hamate fracture that he played through all season in 2025.
AUSTIN, TX – MARCH 26: Infielder Adrian Rodriguez #24 of the Texas Longhorns watches his ball go foul as he grimaces during the SEC college baseball game between Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners on March 26, 2026, at UFCU Disch-Falk Field in Austin, TX. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) A run game renaissance? Jabbar Juluke is tasked to lead one in 2026 for Texas The switch-hitter was in obvious pain on swings and misses from the left side this season, and Schlossnagle is glad doctors figured out what was going on because, in his words, Rodriguez is “the spirit of our team.
” “I would say it’s a better chance that he will play than he won’t play, it’s just, what version of him do we get? ” Schlossnagle said Thursday. “I would think we get a better version of what he was before he had the staples taken out.
” Rodriguez will need some time to get back into the swing of things. Schlossnagle said he’s “done everything up to this point except hit off live pitching,” and he isn’t sure how long it will take for him to be “the real A-Rod. ” Sarkisian expects Arch Manning to be ready for June “Ideally, before the season ends, before May, it’d be awesome to have him,” Schlossnagle said.
“But we may not get that this year. That may have to be next year. I just know he’s capable of helping our team.