Tennessee baseball holds final scrimmage weekend: Marcus Phillips, Manny Marin stand out

As the 2025 Tennessee baseball season draws closer, the Volunteers are nearing the end of their preseason preparations, and the final scrimmage weekend marked a crucial checkpoint in their pursuit of success. With the end of the preseason in sight, Tennessee’s roster is beginning to take shape, with head coach Tony Vitello and his staff looking for key players to step up. This past weekend’s scrimmages were the last chance for the team to refine their game and for individuals to make their case for a spot in the opening lineup.

Among the players who stood out in the final scrimmages were Marcus Phillips and Manny Marin, both of whom provided glimpses of their potential and showcased the skill that could make them central figures for the Vols this season. As they head into the regular season, Phillips and Marin’s performances are likely to play a significant role in Tennessee’s success. Both players had strong showings over the weekend, proving their worth and giving the coaching staff more confidence in their readiness for the upcoming campaign.

The Scrimmages: A Crucial Preseason Opportunity

For college baseball teams, scrimmages are more than just casual exhibitions; they are a vital part of the preseason grind. These games offer teams the chance to work on fundamentals, get a feel for different lineups and player combinations, and identify which players have the skills and temperament to succeed in the regular season. For Tennessee, this weekend marked a pivotal point in their preseason. With the season opener fast approaching, head coach Tony Vitello and his staff were eager to see how the team performed under pressure in game-like scenarios.

The focus for Vitello’s team over the weekend was on finding consistent pitching, refining offensive strategies, and identifying the players who could step up to the plate in key moments. Tennessee has traditionally been known for its strong pitching, and with a well-rounded roster in 2025, the coaching staff wanted to finalize their rotations and ensure that all aspects of the game were in good shape for the regular season.

Marcus Phillips: Shining on the Mound

One of the brightest stars in the final scrimmage weekend was Marcus Phillips, a promising young pitcher whose strong performance was one of the standout moments of the weekend. Phillips has long been considered a top talent for Tennessee, and his work on the mound during these scrimmages has shown that he’s ready to take on a significant role for the Volunteers this season.

Phillips demonstrated his ability to control the game, striking out multiple batters while keeping hitters off balance with his impressive mix of pitches. His fastball reached the mid-90s, and he also displayed an excellent breaking ball that gave hitters fits. His command of the strike zone was particularly impressive, as he was able to throw strikes consistently and avoid giving up free passes.

“Marcus has really put in the work over the offseason, and it’s starting to pay off,” Vitello said after the scrimmages. “He’s one of those guys who has the tools to be a major contributor for us this season, and we’re really excited to see what he can do in competitive situations. If he continues to pitch like this, he’s going to be a key part of our rotation.”

Phillips’ performance has not only raised his profile but has also given the coaching staff confidence that he can be relied upon in high-leverage situations. As the season progresses, Phillips is expected to be one of Tennessee’s top arms, and his ability to handle the pressure of SEC baseball will be crucial to the team’s success.

Manny Marin: A Rising Star in the Infield

While Phillips shone on the mound, Manny Marin made a strong case for his inclusion in the starting lineup with his excellent play in the field and at the plate. Marin, an infielder with a high ceiling, demonstrated his versatility and skills throughout the scrimmages, and he quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic players on the team.

Marin has long been known for his excellent glove work and athleticism, and those traits were on full display this weekend. He showed off his quick reflexes with a number of highlight-reel plays in the field, ranging from smooth double plays to diving stops. His ability to play solid defense at multiple positions will give the Vols flexibility when setting their lineup.

In addition to his defensive prowess, Marin also stood out offensively. He put together several key at-bats, including a pair of extra-base hits and a walk-off single in the final scrimmage. His approach at the plate was disciplined, and he showcased a mature swing that suggests he’s capable of becoming a major offensive weapon for Tennessee this season.

Vitello was quick to praise Marin’s all-around play, noting that his versatility and work ethic have set him apart as one of the team’s key contributors.

“Manny’s one of those guys who just does everything well,” Vitello said. “He plays defense with a lot of energy and confidence, and he’s got a real knack for getting on base and making things happen offensively. He’s a guy who can help us in a variety of ways, and I think he’s only going to continue to get better as the season goes on.”

Marin’s strong performance in the scrimmages has cemented his place in the conversation for a starting role on the infield. Given his skill set, he will likely be a key fixture in Tennessee’s lineup, and his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively will be invaluable as the Vols look to make a run at an SEC title.

Team Development and Leadership

In addition to the individual performances of Phillips and Marin, the final scrimmage weekend also allowed the coaching staff to evaluate the team as a whole and begin to solidify the roster for the 2025 season. Leadership within the clubhouse will be important for Tennessee, and the coaching staff will look to veteran players to help guide the team through what is expected to be a challenging schedule.

With leaders like outfielder Drew Gilbert and pitcher Chase Burns still on the roster, the Vols have a strong nucleus of experienced players who can help bring along the younger guys. The combination of veteran leadership and emerging talent like Phillips and Marin gives Tennessee the potential to make a deep run this season.

“It’s always about putting the pieces together, and this scrimmage weekend has helped us identify a lot of those pieces,” Vitello explained. “We’ve got a really good mix of veterans and young talent, and it’s exciting to see some of these younger guys step up and show what they can do.”

Pitching Depth: A Strong Suit for Tennessee

As always, Tennessee’s pitching staff remains one of the strengths of the team. Phillips, along with other talented arms like Burns, is poised to play a significant role in ensuring the Vols remain competitive throughout the season. The depth of the pitching staff is one of the key advantages for Tennessee, and it’s clear that the team is well-equipped to compete in the SEC, which is known for producing some of the best hitters in the country.

While Phillips impressed on the mound, several other pitchers also stood out during the scrimmages, including relievers who showcased electric stuff. This depth in pitching will be critical for Tennessee as they navigate the long and grueling SEC season, which can often be determined by a team’s pitching rotation and bullpen.