It’s no secret that Michigan’s baseball team’s roster was stretched thin last season. With a short list of productive pitchers, the Wolverines were forced to make tough decisions concerning what role each athlete would fill including using some position players on the mound. But with a more complete bullpen featuring incoming freshmen and new pickups in the transfer portal, Michigan’s infield is set up for success.

“Because of the lack of depth on the roster, we’ve had to force guys into either playing or pitching, and sometimes that goes against the development path,” Wolverines’ coach Tracy Smith said Friday. “… We actually said, ‘You know what, we’ve got really good freshman infielders coming in. But boy, wouldn’t it be nice if we could go get some middle guys that have some experience to allow these guys to progress into the role at a pace that maybe is more appropriate for them.’ ”

Combining for 86 double plays last season, then-graduates Kyle Dernedde and Mack Timbrook anchored Michigan’s defense playing shortstop and second base, respectively. With their graduation from the program, the already-overextended roster was left in dire straits. However, with some savvy moves in the transfer portal and recruitment from high school, Smith acquired the talent to fill Dernedde and Timbrook’s shoes. 

This new talent includes the pair of shortstops, graduate Benny Casillas and freshman Tyler Inge. Casillas helped Loyola Marymount best Michigan at shortstop last season, 9-1, in which he recorded two RBIs. In his last season with the Lions, Casillas started 50 of 52 games, recording only 10 errors. Inge, hailing from Brighton, Mich., holds his high school’s single season hit record

“Objectively, at the end of the day, Benny Casillas is going to start his shortstop for us at the open,” said Smith. “Benny had a very consistent fall. … I think Tyler’s got a bright, bright future ahead of him, not only in Michigan, but certainly at the next level.”

Michigan also acquired sophomore Colby Turner from San Diego State. Turner was a utility player for the Aztecs, playing outfield, first base and third base, but with the Wolverines, Turner will be primarily playing in the infield.

Even without the portal though, Michigan retained some of their talent in the infield. With projected starters at second and third base, junior Mitch Voit and senior Cole Caruso, respectively, provide needed continuity for a team with 11 transfer portal players and 11 freshmen.

“Obviously (Dernedde and Timbrook) are two unbelievable players, great defenders,” Caruso said Friday. “We did a good job filling the void with them. Benny at short has done a tremendous job playing there. … Same with second, we have Colby and Mitch as of right now, and they’ve both done a really good job filling that spot.”

Despite losing three of their infielders from last season, the Wolverines hit the recruiting trail both in the portal and out. With newfound depth, infielders will be able to play their positions and play them well.

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