Former Watson Chapel Wildcat Tink Hence had big hopes for pitching in Busch Stadium in 2025. After a ribcage injury suffered in spring training sidelined him for two months, he is beginning to look like the hurler that dominated the Texas League last season.
After four outstanding (and pain free) appearances in Florida, Hence got the call to catch a plane and head to Springfield, Missouri. Last season, Hence was a crowd favorite at Hammons Field, and should get an amazing welcome when he toes the rubber tomorrow night (June 20th) against Corpus Christie.
Hence was kept on a pitch count during his rehab. The most pitches he threw was 50 against the Mets Rookie League team.
When he starts tomorrow night, be will likely also be closely monitored.
Hence and his Springfield teammates don’t play again in Little Rock for two months. If things go well over his handful of appearances, he may not be pitching in front of family and friends at Dickey-Stephens Park, but possibly at Autozone Park in Memphis. With the MLB trade deadline looming at the end of July, the parent club may be dealing some veteran pitchers, which could also open up a spot for him under the Arch.
Game time tomorrow is 7:05 and can be heard at www.classicrock1067.com, with video at on the Bally Sports App.
