Jan. 26, 2007

From Oklahoma Athletics

NORMAN, Okla. (www.soonersports.com) --University of Oklahoma junior Aaron Reza will miss up to 4-6 weeks of the 2007 baseball season after breaking his left hand, his glove hand, in practice this week.  Reza, the Sooners' starting shortstop and a team captain, sustained the injury on a pick-off play.

Reza made 56 starts for Oklahoma last year, mainly at shortstop, and appeared in all but four games for the Sooners.  During his first year in Norman, Reza played an integral role in helping the Sooners lead the nation in team fielding percentage (.983). 

As a sophomore, Reza committed one error throughout the season, game one of the NCAA Super Regional against Rice, and was errorless for 219 consecutive chances leading up to that contest. Reza was also solid at the plate in 2006, hitting .318 with 33 RBIs and 12 doubles.  

"He is a tough kid and is probably capable of practicing and playing with a soft cast," said Golloway.  "However, it's within his best interest and the team's to sit out and let the hand heal for the next couple of weeks.  We expect him to make a full and speedy recovery."

"Aaron's injury will give other athletes on our club the chance to step in and contribute sooner than expected.  There is no doubt that losing Aaron is tough, but its only for a short time and we have a tremendous amount of depth behind him."

Some possible options to replace Reza include using freshman infielder Bryant Hernandez (Oxnard, Calif.) at shortstop or sliding third baseman Vincent Biancamano (Glendale, Ariz.) over and placing last year's designated hitter, sophomore Brandon Moss, at third base.

A native of Patterson, Calif., Reza came to Oklahoma after playing one year at Modesto Junior College in California.  He started his collegiate career as a walk-on at Long Beach State.

Oklahoma opens the 2007 season on Friday, Feb. 2 in Edinburg, Texas against Texas State in the UTPA Tournament.  In addition to the Bobcats, OU will also face Texas-Pan American on Saturday and Sunday.  The Sooners' home opener is slated for Friday, Feb. 23 against Western Illinois.