Kentucky begins SEC Tourney play today.
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky shortstop Tyler Bell and ace pitcher Jaxon Jelkin each were named to the All- Southeastern Conference Team on Monday. Bell was named first team and Jelkin second team.
Bell, a sophomore from the Chicago area, shined in 2026 despite getting injured in the opener and missing 14 games. Overall, he ranked second on the team with a .347 average during the regular season with 39 runs, eight doubles, one triple, six home runs, 26 RBI, 10 stolen bases and a 1.091 OPS.
In conference play he batted .333 with 23 runs, seven doubles, a triple, five home runs and 18 RBI. The home runs tied for the most on the team, the runs were the second-most on the team, doubles tied for the second most and RBI were the second most.
Van Cleave, an outfielder from Arlington, Texas, showed of his prodigious raw power but also his growing hitting ability. He went 7-for-14 and had multiple hits in all three games, including a career-high three on Sunday. He also added a monstrous 429-foot home run off the videoboard.
Jelkin, from Omaha, Nebraska, was perhaps the most indispensable piece on the roster this season, particularly in conference play. Overall, he is 8-2 with a 3.59 earned run average and a save. He struck out 94 in 82.2 innings and opponents hit just .223 as he turned in seven quality starts (defined as three or fewer earned runs in 6.0 or more innings).
Jelkin has been sensational down the stretch, pitching back-to-back complete games vs. Tennessee and Florida before earning a crucial save vs. Arkansas, all ranked opponents. He completed at least seven innings seven times.
Kentucky opens the SEC Tournament on Tuesday vs. Vanderbilt at approximately 2 p.m. ET/1 local.
