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Speedy transfer Dariyan Pendergrass gives Texas baseball another right field option
TL;DR
Dariyan Pendergrass has joined the Texas baseball team as a right field option, making his first start in a recent game against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. The team has previously rotated four different players in right field this season.
Over the first 34 games of its season, Texas baseball started four different players in right field.
Aside from pitcher and designated hitter, no other position in the Texas lineup had used more than three starters.Jayden Duplantier (16 starts) had played the most in right field, but Anthony Pack Jr. (13 starts), Jonah Williams (four starts) and Maddox Monsour (one start) also spent some time in that corner of the outfield.
Texas Longhorns head coach Jim Schlossnagle watches from the dugout during the Lone Star Showdown against Texas A&M at Blue Bell Park on Saturday, April 11, 2026 in College Station, Texas. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman)
Dariyan Pendergrass added his name to the mix Tuesday. Used as a pinch-runner and late-inning defensive replacement over his first five appearances this season, Pendergrass made his first-ever start for the Longhorns in their 14-7 win over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at UFCU Disch-Falk Field.
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At the plate, Pendergrass went 1-for-2 and drew a walk. He also drove in three runs.
"(We were) just trying to play better defense in the outfield, mainly," Texas coach Jim Schlossnagle said. "Dariyan, he's been a successful college player. He definitely knows who he is. We've been talking a lot about self-awareness lately with our offense and kind of knowing who you are and starring in your role within the offense. And Dariyan is a guy who's played a lot of college baseball, and he's now finally healthy enough. He's been dealing with an injury since he came to Austin and is finally healthy enough to where he can help us a little bit."
Against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Pendergrass replaced Duplantier in right field while Pack made his 22nd start in left field and Aiden Robbins maintained his established role as UT's center fielder. Afterwards, Schlossnagle wasn't willing to commit to what his outfield will look like when No. 4 Texas (28-7, 9-5) opens a three-game series against No. 11 Alabama (27-11, 8-7) on Friday.
"Let's just see how it plays out," Schlossnagle said. "I think we might be able to play some matchups and do some different things."
The Texas Longhorns celebrate a win over the UTRGV Vaqueros at UFCU Disch-Falk Field in Austin, Feb. 24, 2026. Texas won 14-0 by run-rule after the seventh inning. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman)
Dariyan Pendergrass was a late addition to the Texas roster
Pendergrass spent his first four years of college at Spartanburg Methodist and the College of Charleston. Last season, his 43 steals ranked eighth nationally.
After entering the transfer portal following the 2025 season, Pendergrass said he received some interest from smaller schools but decided to wait things out. Schlossnagle reached out during the fall, and he joined the Longhorns in December.
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Pendergrass was used sparingly over the first two months of this season. He appeared as a pinch-runner against Michigan State on Feb. 22, Oklahoma on March 27 and South Carolina on April 3, and he played briefly in the field against Oklahoma on March 28 and Texas State on March 31. Pendergrass, though, finally got his chance against the Islanders.
"I'm always ready when my number's called, and I'll be ready when I get in there," Pendergrass said.
Q&A
Who is Dariyan Pendergrass and what role does he play in Texas baseball?
Dariyan Pendergrass is a player for the Texas baseball team who has recently been added as a right field option, making his first start after serving as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement.
How many players have started in right field for Texas baseball this season?
Texas baseball has started four different players in right field over the first 34 games of the season.
What was the outcome of the game where Dariyan Pendergrass made his first start?
Dariyan Pendergrass made his first start in a game where Texas baseball won 14-7 against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.
What positions have had more starters than right field for Texas baseball this season?
Aside from pitcher and designated hitter, no other position in the Texas lineup has used more than three starters, making right field unique in its rotation.
