Tegan Kuhns Slides Back Into Friday Role as Vols Adjust Weekend Rotation

Image: Elliot Walker/Tennessee Athletics

By Aidan Sidoti

KNOXVILLE – After recording his first-career complete game shutout in a 10-0 win over No. 13 Alabama last weekend with 9 strikeouts, Tennessee sophomore right-hander Tegan Kuhns has returned to the Friday starter role where he opened the season, head coach Josh Elander said on WNML’s Sports Talk.

Kuhns struggled early in conference action, allowing 7 earned runs in 7.2 innings across outings against Georgia and Missouri. That led to a brief shift to the bullpen for the series in Nashville against Vanderbilt, where the Gettysburg (PA) native responded with one of his sharpest performances of the year. He struck out 6 and allowed just 1 run in 4.1 innings, allowing a return back to the starting rotation. Since rejoining the starting group, Kuhns has not allowed more than 2 earned runs in any appearance and has delivered back-to-back scoreless outings against Ole Miss and Alabama.

Senior left hander Evan Blanco has also shifted roles, moving from Sunday starter to Saturday starter, switching with right-hander Landon Mack. The Virginia transfer has been one of Tennessee’s most consistent arms during his lone season in Knoxville, posting a 5-2 record with a 3.84 ERA in 61.0 innings while striking out 75.

Tennessee travels to Lexington to face Kentucky tomorrow night at Kentucky Proud Park with first pitch set for 6:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network Plus.