Robert out, Palacios should return soon
Daniel Robert is out with an injured hand while Joshua Palacios could return from his wrist injury this week.
AUBURN | Joshua Palacios could return to Auburn’s lineup Thursday night in the first of three games against Tennessee at Plainsman Park.
Palacios injured his wrist diving for a ball in left field in last Thursday’s 11-9 win over Missouri. He missed the next two games of the three-game series, Auburn losses, and Tuesday night’s contest at Kennesaw State.
“All our tests have been negative is what I would say on that and Josh can go when Josh thinks he can go,” Auburn coach Butch Thompson said. “When he’s able to go and be competitive and be himself he’ll get back in there. I caution Josh to get ready, make smart decisions and don’t do something to make a bigger deal out of this thing. He’s working hard and I’d love to have him back in there Thursday.”
Palacios leads Auburn with a .408 average along with nine doubles, four triples, five home runs, 23 RBI and 12 stolen bases.
Daniel Robert was also injured Thursday during a collision at first base with a Missouri base runner. He’s out for an extended period with a hand injury.
“Robert is going to be out a little while,” Thompson said. “We’re actually getting him fitted for some stuff to get a glove back on but it will be another couple of weeks before he’ll probably be able to swing the bat again. With six weeks left in the regular season, if you go two, two and a half weeks and then probably a couple of weeks to get the swing straight, I think we know what that looks like.”
Robert is hitting .245 with five doubles, two home runs and 12 RBI.
Auburn, 15-17 overall and 3-9 in the SEC, plays at Kennesaw State Tuesday before hosting Tennessee for a three-game series beginning Thursday night.