STARKVILLE — Phillip Casey wasn’t sure what his role would be on the 2012 Mississippi State baseball roster.
Two weeks ago, it seemed more likely the freshman infielder wouldn’t be active in anything more than a practice jersey but a list of injuries had him making his collegiate debut this past weekend.
“Coach actually gave me the option to (redshirt) with such a young team,” Casey said. “I pretty much just told him I still wanted to play but it’s up to you but if you’re giving me the option I want to stay out here and play and be on the team.”
One of the many injuries to the MSU squad over the last two weeks was sophomore third baseman Daryl Norris being placed on the disabled list after sustaining a severe knee cap dislocation last Wednesday.
According to the MRI scan, the detachment of Norris’ knee cap caused a strain of the ligaments in his knee. Norris is expected to be restricted from physical activity for 4-6 weeks. When he’ll be physical able to return to the lineup is unknown depending on how he handles the rehabilitation process.
“I was told by our training staff that since this was such a freak injury, there’s not a timetable for his return,” Cohen said. “What we know about Daryl right now is he doesn’t need surgery but the stretched knee ligament is a concern. It wasn’t the best news possible.”
While Norris attempts to recover from the injury, Casey’s coach pointed in his direction with his opportunity.
“A few weeks went by and I wasn’t really sure what was going on so I went in and talked with (Cohen) earlier this week and with Daryl (Norris)’ injury he told me I’m going to get my shot,” Casey said. “I’m just trying to take advantage of it.”
Casey will not only be part of the travel roster when MSU makes it to Hammond, La., for a two-game road series versus Southeastern Louisiana University but will also likely be in the lineup when the Bulldogs open Southeastern Conference play this week at LSU.
Casey made his collegiate debut Sunday going 0-for-2 at the plate and receiving an infield putout at third base.
“I think Phillip had some good at-bats (Sunday)and hadn’t played a lot of third base but I think he moved around fine out there,” Cohen said.
“One thing injuries bring are opportunities.”
The position Casey feels more comfortable at is shortstop after starting in that spot for two years at Clements High School in Sugarland, Texas while compiling a .396 batting average with 38 hits, 15 for extra bases and 29 RBIs. The 6-foot, 174-pounder was included on ESPN’s listing of the 50 prep prospects in Texas before MSU signed him to a nationally ranked class.
“I was a little nervous at first (about playing third base) but after about the first inning I settled in and it felt good to start playing the game again,” Casey said.
The 21st-ranked Bulldogs are expected to utilize a split pitching assignment for both midweek games at Southeastern Louisiana and will set its weekend rotation for the LSU series later in the week.
The Bulldogs take on the Lions in 6 p.m. games both today and Wednesday before opening the league schedule this weekend against No. 13 LSU at Alex Box Stadium. The first two games of the series in Baton Rouge will be regionally televised (Friday, 7 p.m. on Cox Sports Television and Saturday, 6 p.m. on Comcast Sports Southeast). The series concludes with a 1 p.m. contest Sunday.
MSU took two out of three last weekend against Mercer University, which opened the week leading the NCAA in both batting average and home runs.
Even before facing SEC pitching, Casey noticed Sunday a different pace to the level of the play as compared to the high school level in which he dominated in the Lone Star state.
“It’s a faster pace and everybody is just so good,” Casey said. “Nobody really has a weakness. In high school everybody had a weakness and you could find it and go towards it. Here, everybody’s so strong.
“Even when you play a small school like Mercer or someone like that they are still really good and we saw that this weekend.”
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