Texas C DJ Petrinsky announces return

A second Texas Longhorns player will return for another chance at their senior season after the coronavirus pandemic ended the 2020 baseball campaign. before conference play started — catcher DJ Petrinsky announced his return via Instagram on Saturday.

Senior right fielder Austin Todd made a similar announcement on Thursday after the conclusion of the 2020 MLB Draft. Senior center fielder Duke Ellis still has not made public his own intentions for next season.

A 6’0, 195-pounder Petrinsky transferred to Texas for the 2018 season after a productive career in the junior college ranks at Hill College, where he hit .353 with 12 home runs as a sophomore. During Petrinsky’s first season in Austin, he showed that same power, hitting nine home runs, and was effective getting on base, but only hit .257.

During his senior season in 2019, Petrinsky tried to play through a shoulder injury that forced him to move out from behind the plate and fill in a first base and designated hitter. However, after hitting .257 again in 11 games, Petrinsky underwent surgery that ended his season.

After his return this year, Petrinsky struggled at the plate, only hitting .178, but he did two home runs. Look for Petrinsky to battle sophomore Silas Ardoin for the starting job at center, but he may end up as a valuable bench player if Ardoin improves in the batter’s box.