LSU will look to snap a three-game losing streak on Wednesday night without the help of its leadoff-hitting shortstop.
Josh Smith is being held out of the lineup due to a slight hamstring issue, LSU coach Paul Mainieri said. Hal Hughes will slide over to play shortstop with Chris Reid taking his place at third base.
Mainieri described the decision as “precautionary” as LSU tries to give Smith some additional rest on a cold night. The coach didn’t rule out using Smith off the bench late in the game if necessary.
“It’s nothing too bad,” Mainieri said.
Smith first sustained the minor injury during the series against Bryant. According to Mainieri, Smith felt fine until the late inning of the series finale against Texas. He felt some residual soreness Monday.
LSU will also give Drew Bianco his first career start at second base against Holy Cross, Mainieri said. He’ll bat leadoff in Smith’s place so the rest of the order doesn’t have to shuffle much.
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