Tony Vitello addresses roster question mark for Tennessee Vols with a resounding answer with 2024 College World Series standout

Blanco is a name some who kept a close eye on the entirety of the 2024 College World Series might remember.  In the Cavaliers' opener against North Carolina, Blanco put forth a strong effort on the mound, allowing 2 earned runs in 6.2 innings to keep his team in the thick of the game.  The Tar Heels would eventually walk it off 3-2 before losing their next game to the Vols 6-1. 

The lefty has had a mixed career over three years in Charlottesville, but he's had more good than bad in his time there.  During Virginia's run to Omaha in 2024, Blanco was brilliant.  He posted an 8-3 record in 18 starts with a 3.62 ERA to go with 99 strikeouts to 27 walks in 99.1 innings pitched. 

2025 was a different story, as he dealt with injuries and ended up in the bullpen for part of the season. He posted a 6.23 ERA in 14 appearances (8 starts and 6 relief) with 36 strikeouts to 9 walks in 39 innings. 

However, the talent is undeniably there, and it should be more than enough for Tennessee pitching coach Frank Anderson to try to mold into a potential impact starter.  It also helps that Blanco has experience as a starter and pitching in the most pressure-packed stage in the sport.  

We'll see how things shake out the rest of the offseason, but Blanco is a name that Vol fans should get used to hearing routinely next year.