Kentucky will be without a projected starter for opening weekend.
Senior outfielder/designated hitter Carson Hansen sustained a toe injury last week that will keep him out of the lineup for the series against UNC Greensboro, a source told Bat Cats Central. This is not expected to be a long-term injury, and there's a chance Hansen could return by Tuesday's home opener at Kentucky Proud Park against Morehead State.
Hansen, a native of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, appeared in 34 games and made 29 starts for Kentucky in 2025. He slashed .283/.374/.556 with two doubles, two triples, seven home runs and 26 RBI in 99 at-bats in his first season with the Wildcats. He spent the first two years of his college career at Milwaukee, where he was a first-team Horizon League selection in 2024.
The Wildcats open the season at 4 p.m. on Friday. Redshirt junior Jaxon Jelkin will take the mound for game one. Inclement weather forced a doubleheader for Saturday. The first game is scheduled for 1 p.m., with game two to follow.
