FAYETTEVILLE — Freshman catcher Nathan Rodriguez won't be eligible to play at Arkansas during the 2015 season.
Rodriguez was deemed ineligible for the season, according to sources. Razorbacks coach Dave Van Horn said in a statement that Rodriguez will stay at Arkansas to play in 2016.
Without Rodriguez, the Razorbacks' starting catcher battle will between junior college transfer Tucker Pennell and sophomore Alex Gosser, who started seven times late last season. Rodriguez, a heralded recruit from California, had been expected to compete - if not win - the starting position following fall practices.
Arkansas begins its preseason practices next Friday and opens the season Feb. 13 with the first of a three-game series against North Dakota at Baum Stadium.