Wetherholt Returns to the Starting Lineup

The 2024 Preseason Big 12 Conference Baseball Player of the Year, West Virginia University shortstop JJ Wetherholt, has returned to the starting lineup for the series opener at Kansas and will be the leadoff hitter for the Mountaineers as the designated hitter. The first pitch between the Mountaineers and the Jayhawks is set for 7:00 p.m. EST and the action will stream on ESPN+.

The junior injured his hamstring in the fourth game of the season while scoring from second in the first inning against Stetson. He was hitting .308 with a double, five runs and three stolen bases prior to the injury.

Wetherholt earned Big 12 Conference Baseball Player of the Year last season after leading the Mountaineers to an NCAA tournament bid. The Mars (PA) native hit .449 a year ago, knocking 16 home runs, 24 doubles, 67 runs, 60 RBI and 36 stolen bases. He earned unanimous First Team All-America status following the 2023 season while also being named a First-Team Academic All-American by College Sports Communicators.

Entering the 2024 season, Wetherholt is projected as one of the top selections in the upcoming MLB Draft including being listed as the top prospect by MLB.com, Baseball America and Perfect Game.

Game two of the series between West Virginia and Kansas is set for Saturday at 3:00 p.m. EST and the series finale is scheduled for Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Both games will be streamed live on ESPN+.