After its home opener against Quincy was rained out, the Eastern baseball team will hit the road again on an eight-game, seven-day trip in Bradenton, Fla.

It seemed like a good time for the Panthers to work out their kinks against Quincy, especially after coming off a four-game thrashing at Kansas State.

The Panthers’ seven opponents have a combined record of 19-36 going into the Bradenton Tournament.

“I think this is a chance for us to get into the groove,” Eastern head coach Jim Schmitz said.

Schmitz said the Panthers will look to get better production out of their starting pitching. In the four-game series at Kansas State, Eastern starters walked 24 batters, while surrendering 18 earned runs.

The Panthers will get sophomore left-hander Mike Manns back from injury, a much needed addition to the Panthers’ rotation.

“He’s rehabbing and throwing well on the mound,” Schmitz said. “He’ll definitely be a plus when he returns.”

The Eastern (1-6) lineup will also feature changes. With catcher Joe Hernandez still out with an injury and with the recent struggles of Jason Cobb, the Panthers will turn to Ryan Campbell.

The junior standout, who is in the midst of a 21-game hitting streak, will move from third base to catcher for the first time in his career.

“Change doesn’t bother him too much,” Schmitz said. “I think he’ll do well. He kind of knew in the fall that this was a situation that might present itself.”

Taking Campbell’s spot at third base will be freshman Jordan Kreke, whom Schmitz regards as an “exceptional fielding third baseman.”

Schmitz said he isn’t worried about Campbell struggling at the plate, something that is common when a player switches positions.

“The only big difference is the fact that he’ll be more tired at the end of the game,” Schmitz said. “But, I think he would rather give up the hit streak for what’s most important for this team, and that’s a win.”