KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – AJ Russell will reunite with former teammates Cal Stark and Dylan Dreiling in the Texas Rangers organization.
The Texas Rangers selected the Tennessee reliever 52nd overall in the 2025 MLB Draft.
In his first season in 2023, he was an arm Tony Vitello could depend on coming out of the bullpen, making two appearances in the College World Series for UT.
In 2024, Russell shined in his sophomore debut against Texas Tech, striking out 10 batters and allowing just three hits across 4.1 innings in Tennessee’s 3-2 win.
Russell dealt with injuries throughout 2024 injury and underwent Tommy John surgery.
Russell returned to the mound just eight months later in 2025 for his junior campaign.
In his return on Feb. 25 against North Alabama, Russell struck out the side in his first inning back. In 2025, Russell made six starts with 12 total appearances, striking out 36 batters over 25.1 innings.
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