South Carolina already will be tense entering the season because of the uncertainty surrounding Nick Bert’s academic situation. Now, the Gamecocks have more reason to be nervous as stud sophomore outfielder Jackie Bradley will miss 4-8 weeks after breaking the hamate bone on his right hand.

“He swung and missed at a pitch yesterday [Saturday] and that’s probably what completed the break,” South Carolina coach Ray Tanner told GamecockCentral.com. “We’re really sad that Jackie isn’t going to be able to play early in the season.”

With Bradley’s removal from the lineup for at least the time being, the Gamecocks will move Whit Merrifield back to center field and shift Adam Matthews to right field. That leaves the left field job wide open with JUCO transfer Robert Beary and freshman Evan Marzilli competing for the spot.

“We’ll give a couple of guys some opportunities that perhaps wouldn’t have gotten them otherwise,” Tanner said. “Hopefully we’ll be a better team because of it.”

Bradley earned Rivals.com Freshman All-American honors last season. He batted .349 with 11 doubles, two triples, 11 homers and 46 RBIs. He also slugged .537 and had a .431 on-base percentage. Additionally, he was 8-for-10 in stolen bases

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