Evan Russell enters at catcher for Tennessee baseball, then singles vs. Campbell
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Evan Russell entered as a defensive replacement for Tennessee baseball against Campbell on Saturday. He replaced Ethan Payne, who pinch-ran for Jared Dickey, who pinch-hit for Charlie Taylor in the eighth.
In his first at-bat, Russell hit a first-pitch single to left field in the top of the ninth inning, igniting chants of his name from the Lindsey Nelson home crowd.
Russell was cleared and available Saturday after he was unavailable Friday in UT's 10-0 win against Alabama State. Vols coach Tony Vitello said afterward that Russell was sick Friday morning, but provided no details.
Jason Russell, Russell's dad, tweeted that Russell had a "health issue ... that kept him from playing." He stressed that Russell had not "failed any type of test or anything." He later added that Russell was dealing with some mental health issues.
"God is good ... to answer all concerns and doubt. Evan is good and just to clarify what's he been dealing with is anxiety, stress and pressure," Jason Russell wrote. "Basically just the worries and conviction of the Lord."
Russell has started 50 games for Tennessee this season, batting .299 with 13 homers.
About 90 minutes before first pitch Friday, Tennessee announced Russell would not be available against the Hornets and that Vitello would address his status postgame. Vitello deferred to team medical personnel about Russell's status.
Russell has 38 career homers, tied with Todd Helton for the Tennessee program record. The Lexington, Tennessee, native has played in 228 games as a Vol, one short of Pete Derkay's program record.
This story will be updated.
Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Evan Russell enters at catcher for Tennessee baseball vs. Campbell
