Texas A&M's star freshmen could return vs. Mississippi State

No. 10 Texas A&M (37-12, 16-10 SEC) heads back to Blue Bell Park after enduring its second consecutive SEC series loss, falling to Ole Miss on the road, despite blowing out the Rebels 18-5 during last Saturday's doubleheader. Plagued by injuries, now including freshmen starting infielders Nico Partida and Boston Kellner, the Aggies are hoping to heal up before the SEC Tournament.

However, after missing the last four games, Nico Partida is now listed as "questionable," giving the freshman a 50% chance to return, while Boston Kellner is listed as "probable" with a 75% chance to play, which tracks after coach Michael Earley stated this week that the Arizona native has progressed faster than expected. If Kellner can play, Earley has a tough choice to make after senior Ben Royo's incredible 7-7 showing at the plate last weekend, which included three home runs.

On the mound, Earley revealed on Wednesday that star sophomore pitcher and Saturday starter Aiden Sims is dealing with tightness and will not play this weekend in an effort to get him as healthy as possible once the postseason begins. Right now, the only confirmed starting pitcher is Ethan Darden for Thursday's first game vs. No. 13 Mississippi State.

While the Aggies' starting pitching rotation could result in another unpredictable showing over the next three games, potentially getting Partida back into the lineup will further bolster a batting lineup that, while powerful, did not produce clutch hits during Sunday's 6-5 rubber match loss to Ole Miss.

Texas A&M will face Mississippi State on Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. for Game 1 of the final SEC regular season series.

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