UNC’s Michael Russell shows versatility, returns to infield in game against Liberty

When Michael Russell came to Chapel Hill in the fall, it didn’t take long for him to venture outside his comfort zone.

With the left side of North Carolina’s infield occupied by veterans Colin Moran and Tommy Coyle, the lifelong infielder knew his best chance at cracking the starting lineup would be through the outfield, and come spring, that’s where he was.

Necessity forced Russell to right field, but now the situation has changed.

With third baseman Moran still out with a broken hand and with replacement Shell McCain struggling at the plate, coach Mike Fox shifted Russell back to the infield to stabilize the position, and for the time being, it appears as though Russell has found a home there.

In Wednesday night’s 5-3 loss to Liberty, Russell started his sixth straight game at the hot corner. In those six games, the Tar Heels have gone 5-1.

“Michael we thought was maybe a little bit more athletic, a little bit more of a sure arm,” said Fox on the decision to move Russell to third. “We just felt like he gave us a little bit more stability over there.”

For the most part, Russell’s transition back to the infield has been a smooth one.

“I played infield and third base growing up, so it hasn’t been too much of an adjustment,” Russell said. “I’ve gotten a lot of work in practice fielding ground balls lately, so I was ready to go today.”

Still, Russell hasn’t been error free. He misplayed a ball in the fourth inning Wednesday, allowing the runner to reach first.

But those types of plays are more aberrations than they are the norm. Fox said he’s been impressed with the way Russell has handled the glove, especially on bunts down the third-base line.

“Those aren’t easy plays to make when they drag bunt for a guy that’s been playing right field for us for 25 games,” Fox said. “So that shows you a little bit of his versatility.”

But whether he’s roaming the outfield or standing in the infield diamond, Russell has also been able to produce at the plate. The freshman came into Wednesday’s contest with a .301 average, and he’s reached base at a 40 percent clip.

On Wednesday, Russell drove in two out of the three Tar Heel runs, coming through in the clutch with game-tying RBI in the first and in the sixth.

“I feel like I’m just getting a bit more comfortable,” Russell said. “Early on, the ACC pitching was a little bit of an adjustment, and I’m starting to get a little more comfortable in there. A lot of the breaking stuff is just real, real good, so just the more you see it, the more you get used to some.”

Russell has undoubtedly grown throughout the season, and his willingness to wear many different hats for the Tar Heels has made quite the impression on his head coach.

“I’d like to have nine of him,” Fox said. “He’s a tough kid — versatile, can play anywhere on the field, can do a lot of things … He’s a really good player, and he’s done a terrific job.”

Contact the Sports Editor at sports@dailytarheel.com.