Texas A&M Outfielder Brett Minnich Suffers Broken Thumb In Win Over Seattle University
COLLEGE STATION -- On a crisp evening at Blue Bell Park, nearly everything was perfect for Texas A&M baseball in its 8-2 season-opening win over Seattle University.
Ace Nathan Dettmer punched out eight Redhawks in 4 2/3 innings pitched. Veteran infielders Jack Moss and Ryan Targac each drove in a pair of runs to put the Aggies (1-0) up by five entering the eighth inning.
The newcomers shined. The bullpen blew heaters past countless batters in front of a packed house on opening night.
But again, nearly is the keyword, and the No. 5 Aggies took a substantial blow to the heart of their lineup for the impending future.
Aggies right fielder Brett Minnich suffered a broken thumb on his left hand that will require surgery. According to A&M manager Jim Schlossnagle, the senior is expected to miss "six weeks-ish," if not longer depending on the recovery.
"It stinks," Schlossnagle said. "But I'd rather have it happen today and get him back to the last two-thirds of the season than have it happen in the middle of the year and lose him for the rest of it."
During his first at-bat, Minnich drilled a groundball to Redhawks first baseman Matt Boissoneault on an 0-2 count. Boissoneault bobbled the ball, allowing Minnich to turn on the jets and try to swipe the bag.
Sliding into the first, Minnich was ruled out in more ways than one. At the top of the third inning, the Aggies announced that Minnich would miss the remainder of the game. Freshman Kasen Wells replaced the Colleyville native in right field, going 1-for-1 at the plate with a single and two walks.
"He's just an incredible teammate and player," Moss said postgame. "Just say a prayer for him tonight."
Minnich was one of the x-factors for A&M in Year 1 of the Schlossnagle era. Starting all 64 games in right field, Minnich hit .306 with seven home runs and 51 RBIs. He also was known for his glove, making several highlight catches as the Aggies punched their ticket to the College World Series for the first time since 2017.
This offseason, Minnich said he underwent surgery to repair an injured groin that plagued him late in the season. He also gained 25 pounds during the fall to better his body for nine innings of play over a weekend series and a quick turnaround two days later.
"He just gives his whole effort," Moss said. "That's who he is. ... He just wants to do everything for the team and he's always been like that."
For now, the Aggies will likely turn to Wells as Minnich's immediate replacement. Last season at Smithson Valley High School in San Antonio, the 5-8 speedster hit .570 with eight home runs, 15 doubles and nine triples.
A&M also added three transfers in the offseason with Stanley Tucker (New Mexico JC), Travis Chesnut (Temple JC) and Tab Tracy (Houston), all of whom have experience playing outfield. Should Wells remain the primary right fielder, the Aggies will rely heavily on a pair of first-year players in the corners with Jace LaViolette commanding left.
LaViolette, a 6-6, 230-pound freshman known for his power, was an ABCA first-team All-American after hitting .591 with 11 home runs, 12 triples and 53 RBIs at Katy Tompkins last season. He is expected to be the everyday left fielder in place of the departed Dylan Rock.
"That's what defines seasons, man," Schlossnagle said. "It happens to everybody at some point and you need the entire club to win."
The Aggies will return to Blue Bell Park Saturday for Game 2 of their three-game series at 2 p.m.
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