Mike Bianco Reveals New Pitching Rotation, Update on Ace Hunter Elliott

The Ole Miss Rebels are shaking things up this week on the mound.

OXFORD, Miss. -- After its worst start in SEC play in 27 years, the Ole Miss Rebels are changing some things up on the mound this week.

Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco was a guest on SportsTalk Mississippi on Monday, and he revealed new pitching plans for this week on the state-wide radio program as well as some updates on two injured arms on his staff.

Bianco will be starting Sam Tookoian on the mound in the midweek against the Southern Miss Eagles, but the biggest news came from the weekend rotation this week against the Texas A&M Aggies.

Righty Jack Dougherty will remain in the Friday role in place of the injured Hunter Elliott, but Xavier Rivas will shift from his Sunday role to Saturday. Freshman J.T. Quinn will take over the Sunday role, moving Grayson Saunier to the bullpen.

Bianco stated on the show that he expects Saunier to see some work in relief on Tuesday night against USM.

Speaking of pitching, Bianco also provided updates on injured arms Hunter Elliott and Riley Maddox on Monday. Maddox is coming back from Tommy John surgery, and Elliott suffered a sprained UCL in the first series of the season against the Delaware Blue Hens.

"They're both on a throwing protocol working their way back and doing great," Bianco said. "Hunter touched the mound today in a little short work. He looks really good, strong and healthy.

"Maddox threw today for the first time off the mound 100 percent. He's been throwing off the mound, but today was the first day he was able to throw 100 percent. He was up to 93, and he looks very similar. Very healthy."

Bianco still expects Elliott to possibly make a return to games in mid-April, and the timeline for Maddox is likely late-April or early-May.

The Rebels currently sit at 0-6 in SEC play, but they have a midweek test in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday night against Southern Miss before traveling to College Station this weekend. First pitch on Tuesday is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.

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