Jim Schlossnagle Reveals Huge Update on Adrian Rodriguez’s Hand Injury

Rodriguez is expected to be evaluated on a day-to-day basis and will likely miss a few weeks

Texas Longhorns' Adrian Rodriguez fields a ground ball. | Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Last night, the Texas Longhorns finally shook off the midweek bug, grinding out a 10-8 victory over Texas State in Austin. It marked Texas’ first home win over the Bobcats in four years.

It also marked the first game without shortstop Adrian Rodriguez, who is expected to miss time after undergoing a procedure on his left hand — an injury he had been managing since last season. 

The loss of Rodriguez is quite the blow for the Longhorns, who have already dealt with their fair share of injuries this year.

Still, Texas head coach Jim Schlossnagle offered a cautiously optimistic update on his star shortstop following the minor procedure earlier this week.

Rodriguez progressing after hand procedure

Auburn Tigers' Chris Rembert slides safely into second base before Texas Longhorns' Adrian Rodriguez can get a tag. | Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Rodriguez, who underwent offseason surgery that included the insertion of small staples, recently had one of those staples removed after doctors discovered he was allergic to the metal (composed of nickel and cobalt), causing inflammation and some pretty visible pain at the plate.

The follow-up procedure, performed by Dr. Shin, was brief and successful, lasting just 20 minutes.

“It went really, really well,” Schlossnagle said. “According to Dr. Shin, it went absolutely as well as it possibly could.”

The plan now is patience. Rodriguez will wait roughly 10 days for stitches to be removed before being evaluated on a day-to-day basis. While there’s optimism surrounding his recovery, Texas will be cautious in bringing him back, with a potential return timeline pointing toward mid-April.

Tuesday’s defensive realignments against the Bobcats

Temo Becerra celebrates a home run against Coastal Carolina in the Bruce Bolt College Classic at Daikin Park. | University of Texas Athletics

In the meantime, the Longhorns are adjusting. And in some cases, improvising. 

In Tuesday’s win, Texas rolled out a reshuffled lineup that many had expected. Temo Becerra got the start at shortstop, Casey Borba slid to third and Josh Livingstone was at first. 

But then later in the game, Ethan Mendoza — typically a second baseman — slid over to short during a chaotic defensive realignment in the seventh inning. The shift triggered a domino effect across the infield. 

It was an excellent demonstration of this team’s adaptability and versatility, something that was not always present last season. 

“We have a lot of dudes that are willing to do anything to make the team win,” Mendoza said. “People are going to play any position… It’s just a team right now.” 

Mendoza, who finished 3-for-4 with three RBIs and a home run, said the group has been preparing for this possibility.

“We knew A-Rod was going to be out for a little bit,” Mendoza said. “We’ve been grinding with (Troy Tulowitzki) a lot… I mean, whoever’s going to be out there, we’re going to be ready to play.”

The defense wasn’t perfect. Texas had a few questionable moments, including some outfield mishaps and a miscommunication between Becerra and Anthony Pack on a pop fly, but it held together just enough to secure the win. 

The coming weeks will likely see some similar reshuffling as Texas looks to stay afloat until Rodriguez returns.

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