Jared Dickey Releases Comeback Hype Video, Announces Return to Action

Tennessee baseball utility man Jared Dickey was said to have a 50/50 shot of playing in Hoover, according to Tony Vitello's Tuesday media availability. 

"He’s doing everything possible,” Vitello shared. “We took him to cyrotherapy, holy cow is that cold. He has a boot he can wear and still make athletic movements. We’ve exhausted everything and he’s really put attention to detail too it, and it has all paid off, which is why I’m telling you. I think he’s in a really good spot right now. So he’s on the active roster for this tournament. It’ll be 50/50 on decision making if you ask me my opinion on it myself. The other coaches will have input too so we’ll try to pick the best time to do it, but maybe he makes an appearance this weekend. If not I think he’ll be available for the regional."

However, the freshman standout released a video to Instagram that indicates Dickey will return as soon as Tennessee's first game in the SEC Baseball Tournament in Hoover. 

Dickey's return an announcement was in the form of a hype video on his Instagram, which can be seen below. 

Dickey captioned his video "Guess Who's Back" giving reference to the infamous "Without Me" song by rapper Eminem while also giving video credit to Tennessee catcher Ryan Miller. 

Dickey has not played since the Florida series, when the freshman re-injured a bone bruise in his right foot. Dickey has played only 34 of 56 games this season, recording 34 hits, seven home runs and 19 RBIs. The Mount Juliet, Tennessee, native was one of the best hitters in the Vols' lineup when healthy and served as a solid option out in left field. 

Since Dickey's injury, Tony Vitello has given leadoff and left field duties to Seth Stephenson, who has not underwhelmed. Stephenson's end to regular season his junior season campaign was highly productive, going 6-14 at the plate with two home runs and six RBIs. 

While Dickey is poised to make his return to action this week in Hoover, his usage may be limited, given what Vitello further added on Dickey's injury situation on Tuesday. 

"I do think there will be some limitations defensively and with base running, but as we all know Jared in the box is a good weapon for us."

Regardless of how Dickey is used, his return to Tennessee brings more depth to an already star-studded Tennessee roster. 

The Vols' first game in Hoover is slated to start at 8:00 p.m. CT against Vanderbilt, but with the weather looking grim, the top-ranked BaseVols may not begin postseason play until Thursday against the Commodores. 

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Photo and video credit: UT Athletics Baseball Communications