UCLA third baseman Chris Keck is out for the season with a blood clot in his arm, the school announced today.
The junior had started 34 games in the infield before sitting out the Bruins’ recent weekend series at Utah. Keck, who hit .215 with 10 RBI, will likely be replaced by redshirt senior Aaron Weimer.
It’s yet another hit to a UCLA roster that has limped through the 2014 season, sitting at 21-16 overall and 9-6 for fifth place in the Pac-12.
Coming off its first-ever national title, the Bruins have been beset by injuries. Before the season, they lost top returning hitter and starting right fielder Eric Filia and all-conference honorable mention Kevin Kramer. The latter had been slated to move from third base to shortstop to replace Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year Pat Valaika.
Projected second-base starter Kevin Williams has also been limited to designated hitter duties with a shoulder injury. He leads the team with a .427 slugging percentage, but has only played in 20 games.