Duncan Pence off Tennessee baseball team; Aaron Soto to miss season – Knoxville News Sentinel

By Grant Ramey of the Knoxville News Sentinel

Former Farragut High School standout Duncan Pence is no longer with the Tennessee baseball program.

Tennessee coach Dave Serrano said through a UT spokesperson on Monday that Pence committed a violation of team rules. He declined further comment on the situation.

Farragut coach Matt Buckner also confirmed to the News Sentinel on Monday that Pence, a 6-foot-2, 180-pound shortstop, is enrolled at Walters State Community College.

Tennessee will also be without pitcher Aaron Soto for the upcoming season after the junior left-hander underwent Tommy John surgery.

Pence, who signed with the Vols last November, was drafted in the 33rd round of the Major League Baseball draft by the New York Mets in June, but opted to enroll at Tennessee.

Pence hit .430 at Farragut last season with 10 home runs, 42 RBIs and 43 runs scored. His slugging percentage was .833 according to Farragut’s stats. He had an on-base percentage of .571.

Serrano said Soto was injured while pitching in the Cape Cod Baseball League and that he is expected to return with the Vols following a medical redshirt season.

Soto had a 2-0 record with a 6.17 ERA with the Brewster Whitecaps, giving up eight earned runs and striking out eight over 11.2 innings pitched.

Soto made 17 appearances as a sophomore last season, making seven starts on the mound. He had a 6-2 record with a 3.83 ERA, striking out 40 and allowing 30 runs over 62.0 innings pitched.