FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas pitching coach Dave Jorn said left-hander Jalen Beeks will likely be available to throw about 50 pitches out of the bullpen at the Charlottesville Regional.
Beeks, who hasn't pitched since allowing six runs on 10 hits in 3 2/3 innings May 3 against Ole Miss, missed the Razorbacks' final two regular season series and the SEC Tournament with a grade 1 sprain in his throwing elbow.
The injury has kept him sidelined, but he was able to throw off the mound and long-toss at practice Tuesday.
"I have to work on my slider and changeup because I don't have any feel for those," Beeks said. "It's really going to be my off-speed that's going to be affected the most. My fastball is going to be fine."
Jorn said that Beeks experienced a little pain about one in every five throws in his bullpen session Tuesday. Beeks probably won't start, but he could throw a few innings in relief.
"He said he feels like he'll be able to go, but I don't expect him to be able to be starting," Jorn said. "He might be able to help us out of the bullpen."
No decision has been made about Arkansas' third starter, but Jorn said freshman right-hander Zach Jackson is a good candidate.
The Razorbacks play Liberty Friday night in Charlottesville, Va. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. and the game will be televised nationally on ESPNU.