Sophomore shortstop Casey McElroy, who started all 56 games at the position last year, will miss the start of the season because of a fracture in his hand, Auburn announced Wednesday.

Couple that with the absence of centerfielder Trent Mummey, who severely sprained his ankle and is set to miss four-to-six weeks, and the Tigers will likely be without two major contributors throughout their non-conference schedule.

McElroy was named a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American after the 2009 season, when he hit .286 with seven home runs and 35 RBI, along with collecting 13 doubles and a .376 on base percentage.

“Anytime that somebody gets hurt, it’s a disappointment for a coach,” coach John Pawlowski said at last week’s preseason press conference, before McElroy’s injury. “You hate it for them and you hate it for the program, but it’s part of it. Every kid comes to practice, puts the uniform on, and practices hard and prepares to play. When their opportunity comes, they have to take advantage of it.”

Possible replacements for McElroy include Wes Gilmer, Dan Gamache and Auburn High product Creede Simpson.

The Tigers, who were voted by the league’s coaches to finish fifth in the West, will open their season Friday at Plainsman Park against Southeast Missouri. The three-game series begins at 3 p.m. Friday. Saturday’s game will also be at 3 p.m., while Sunday’s final game will start at 1 p.m.