FAYETTEVILLE — Alabama will be without its top starting pitcher when the No. 24 Crimson Tide play at No. 1 Arkansas this weekend.
Left hander Connor Prielipp has not pitched since Feb. 19 and will be out for at least two more weeks, Alabama coach Brad Bohannon said Monday. Bohannon has not given a specific reason for Prielipp’s absence, which has previously been described as a “medical condition.”
Prielipp, a preseason All-American who is on the Golden Spikes Award watch list, is projected to be a high draft pick in 2022, potentially first overall. He has not allowed an earned run and has struck out 43 batters in 26 innings during his career.
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“Connor is making some progress, but it’s just been slower than we thought initially,” Bohannon said.
Without Prielipp, the weekend rotation the past three weeks for Alabama (14-3) has included junior right handers Tyler Raas (2-1, 3.60 ERA) and Dylan Smith (0-1, 2.13), and sophomore left hander Antoine Jean (2-0, 1.45).
"They have three or four quality, quality starters," Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said. "The talent level at Alabama since their staff has gotten there has continued to get better. They’re going to be a force in the league this year."
Arkansas (12-2) will start the same rotation as last week, beginning with right hander Peyton Pallette on Friday. Right hander Zebulon Vermillion is scheduled to start Saturday and left hander Lael Lockhart on Sunday.