Author: Donny Diaz
#36 Turner Gauntt on first base, after getting the first hit of his Longhorn Career.
It’s no secret that Texas baseball has gone through a whirlwind of injuries, especially the catching position. 1st string DJ Petrinsky is out for the season due to shoulder injury, then 2nd string Michael McCann experienced a groin injury for a short period of time and they resorted to 3rd string catcher Caston Peter. Caston, who broke his finger while trying to put a bunt down, resulting in surgery. David Pierce really had no choice but to call up a catcher who had been previously cut from the team, Turner Gauntt. Gauntt had his waivers cleared and was able to rejoin the team April 2nd, 2019.
On April 16, Texas baseball faced the Lamar Cardinals at UFCU Disch-Falk field. This was going to be Turner Gauntt’s first start ever behind the plate at Texas. During his first at bat with the Horns, he got his first career hit, a line drive to left field. Gauntt caught seven innings before relieved by the starting catcher, Michael McCann. Gauntt did pretty good defensively behind the plate for his first career start.
Having Turner Gauntt rejoin the team is such a relief for catcher Michael McCann, and the Horns. Had he not comeback to the team, McCann’s body would be feeling it. Catching is a position that causes a lot of stress on the legs, particularly the knees. McCann has been had been hit by a pitch 5 times while batting, which is a high amount for Texas Baseball. So he is not only getting beat from behind the plate, but also while he is in the betters box. Staying healthy and trying to ice his legs as much as possibles to get ready for the next game is important, but luckily Gauntt is there to relieve if needed.
UTadSports 