Could Ethan Lege be an Option in Left Field For Ole Miss?

Ethan Lege will still probably see some playing time at third base, but in a defensive rotation, could he also see time in left field for the Ole Miss Rebels?

Coach Mike Bianco announced the starting lineup for Opening Day against Hawaii on Friday, and one name that was not in the lineup was last year's starting third baseman Ethan Lege. Bianco's lineup didn't include a name at the left field spot, so it is safe to say the option in left has yet to show itself. 

Could Lege be that option for Ole Miss? He is listed as an infielder on the official roster, but his bat is definitely something to take into consideration. 

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Lege's name was listed as still having a shot to start at third base by Bianco on Friday, but in games where he isn't at the hot corner, could he still find himself on the field? His name was briefly mentioned in that consideration as well.

"Left field, John Kramer, Lege, Utermark, even [Jackson] Ross, any of those guys could start on Opening Day," Bianco said. "I'm not trying to be so aloof with the lineup, just not knowing who they're pitching and where we're going from there with four games, I think all of those have got an opportunity."

John Kramer and Judd Uttermark are certainly viable options in left, but they don't have as much collegiate experience as Lege does. Bianco himself said on Friday that players will likely be moving around in the early portions of the season, including from infield to outfield, so it stands to reason that Lege could be involved.

While this might be a possibility, this is still just a theory. Bianco has time before he has to make a decision, and while a series win at Hawaii is the goal, using this series to find the right lineup would pay dividends later in the season, and Lege is likely more comfortable in the infield than anywhere else.

Still, if push comes to shove, he may be able to hold down an outfield spot at some point this season.

The Ole Miss Baseball season is just six days away, and The Grove Report will cover the action each step of the way. First pitch is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 16 and is set to stream on ESPN+.