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UNC Baseball: Vance Honeycutt ruled out for NCAA Regionals

By Nick Delahanty

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 25: Vance Honeycutt #7 of the North Carolina Tar Heels signs autographs following their win over the Virginia Cavaliers during the ACC Baseball Championship at Durham Bulls Athletic Park on May 25, 2023 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 25: Vance Honeycutt #7 of the North Carolina Tar Heels signs autographs following their win over the Virginia Cavaliers during the ACC Baseball Championship at Durham Bulls Athletic Park on May 25, 2023 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images) /
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With the NCAA Tournament looming, Scott Forbes provided an injury update for the UNC baseball program’s star centerfielder Vance Honeycutt.

The UNC baseball ended the regular season and played the entire ACC Tournament without star Vance Honeycutt, who was reportedly dealing with a “lower back injury.”

Unfortunately, Honeycutt’s absence will continue into the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

As the Diamond Heels know their fate, they also know they’ll again be without their sophomore centerfielder. Head coach Scott Forbes announced that Honeycutt will not be available for this week’s NCAA regionals.

Forbes provided more clarity on Honeycutt’s injury, as we now know it is a lower-back issue. The Tar Heels head coach said that when the team returned from its final regular season series at Clemson, they learned that the injury was worse than they originally thought.

While talking to reporters, Forbes didn’t rule out the potential of Honeycutt returning to the lineup if the Diamond Heels are able to make a run to Omaha:

"“That’s why we were like, ‘OK, he can’t play in the ACC Tournament. We’ll hope to rest him and see if he can play in the NCAA Tournament. If we go on a run and we get to Omaha (for the College World Series), you always have hope. But Vance will not be available for the regional.”"

Honeycutt’s absence continues to be a major blow to the UNC baseball program’s lineup, as he’s been a consistent top to middle-of-the-order hitter since arriving on campus. His offensive numbers are down from his historical freshman season, but his ability in all aspects of the game, especially his above-average speed and defensive skills, are major losses for the Diamond Heels.

Although Honeycutt will be unable to go, Forbes stated that the lineup will continue to look similar to the ACC Tournament, as Mac Horvath is expected to continue patrolling centerfield for the Diamond Heels.

Next. UNC baseball gets No. 3 seed in Terre Haute Region. dark

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