Patrick Murphy Provides Updates on Injured Alabama Pitchers
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Alabama softball pitching staff has gotten off to a great start with a team ERA of 0.42 and an undefeated 10-0 record. However, through the first 10 games, the depth of the six-person staff has already been tested.
Redshirt junior Alex Salter has not made an appearance this season after dealing with a nagging injury, but Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy said she will be available to pitch in the Crimson Tide's midweek game against North Alabama on Wednesday and over the weekend.
This past weekend during the Bama Bash, both freshman Jocelyn Briski and senior Lauren Esman left the circle mid-game with injuries. Esman exited in the first inning of Sunday's win over Southern Indiana after throwing just 13 pitches. Murphy said both pitchers are day-to-day.
"Esman threw a couple curveballs, got the two people out and then looked over at Esi [Atinkah] and pointed at her arm," Murphy said. "It was more of a pec thing than an arm thing. And then Briski was a bicep issue."
Esman has also gotten off to a hot start at the plate with a .333 average and nine RBIs. Murphy said the injury has also made it uncomfortable for her to hit.
Murphy said all other pitchers will be ready to go on Wednesday and for the weekend. The early-season injury have the head coach thankful for the deep staff he has.
With some positive news on the injury front, sophomore outfielder Kristen White has been fully cleared by the medical staff and is available to play on Wednesday after missing the first 10 games of the season.
Alabama hosts North Alabama at 3 p.m. on Wednesday before traveling to Birmingham this weekend for five games at the Green and Gold Classic.
