After dropping its first series of the 2025 season last weekend, Alabama baseball gets a big piece of its infield back as it looks to get back in the win column.
The No. 11 Crimson Tide came out on top last Thursday against the reigning College World Series champs, but the Volunteers won the next two games in "The Joe." Still, it's hard not to wonder whether having Garrett Staton would've made a difference in the 10-7 loss on Friday, or when Alabama (22-3) was drowned out in a seven-run defeat on Saturday.
Critical starter for Alabama baseball infield set to return from injury
As of Tuesday, the "What ifs?" can come to an end. According to Bama Central's Will Miller, Staton will be returning to the diamond for the Crimson Tide's neutral site matchup against North Alabama in Huntsville.
Staton, who opened the season against Bradley on third base for Alabama, is tabbed to start at second base versus the Lions. It'll be his first time seeing action since breaking a finger against Middle Tennessee on Feb. 18.
High expectations followed the Samford transfer coming into the season after slashing .313/.390/.633 with 19 home runs in 2024.
In January, Staton came ninth in D1Baseball's Top 50 Third Basemen for the preseason.
First pitch for Tuesday's game is set for 6 p.m. CT at Toyota Field.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Critical Alabama baseball starter set to return from injury | Report
