The reigning SEC champs were celebrating earlier this week after having received their championship rings, but the tone quickly changed as news broke that two of Auburn’s most seasoned shortstops have knee injuries that will require surgery.

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Upperclassmen Haley Fagan and Kelsey Bogaards both suffered knee injuries during Auburn’s fall season and are expected to miss an “undetermined amount of time based on just their rehabilitation," Head Coach Clint Meyers explained in an interview with Auburn athletics.

Fagan started every game for the Tigers last season, splitting her time between shortstop and third base. Productive at the dish as well, the junior hit .347 and was third on the team in doubles (11) and home runs (13) while knocking in 56 RBIs. She has yet to receive surgery for her torn anterior cruciate ligament.The senior Bogaards seems to be further along in her recovery, as she has reportedly begun riding an exercise bike as her part of her rehabilitation, according to Head Coach Clint Meyers. Last season Bogaards appeared in 35 games and hit .229 on the season.

Haley Fagan was one of two Auburn shortstops to do down with a knee injury this fall

Until Fagan and Bogaards return, the Tigers will be using freshman Casey McCrackin and outfielder Whitney Jordan at short. Meyers had previously tried Jordan at shortstop her freshman season before making her a reserve outfielder. Based on his comments this fall, she seems to be a suitable replacement for the Tiger infield, "She's been refreshing. I asked her where all this ability was last year when we were trying to teach her how to play short. She's really looked good. The time she spent in the outfield, I don't know if it helped her in the outfield, but it sure helped her infield play."

In an interview with AL.com, senior standout second baseman Emily Carosone seemed to have little concern needing to learn the play of a new partner in the middle infield. "I try to turn (double plays) with (McCrackin) just so you get a different feel with each one," Carosone said. "I wouldn't say it's affected us that much because we're prepared for this circumstance. We're ready for this to happen. (McCrackin) and Whitney, the possible shortstops, know how I like my throws. I know how they like their throws. We're just always communicating."

Senior second baseman may have to play 2016 without her normal shortstop beside her

Meyers expects both Fagan and Bogaards to be back for the beginning of the 2016 season but also acknowledges the uncertainty around the rehabilitation for knee injuries. "You can't ever tell. We plan on it (having them for the season) and we just see how the plan works out. They're both tough kids. They both want to be back."

Before these key injuries, Auburn was a front-runner for national champion in 2016. With their unprecedented “season of firsts” last year — first SEC Tournament Title, first Regional, and first Super Regional, and first Women's College World Series appearance — as well as their strong recruiting class of nine freshmen, the Tigers were looking pretty good to win their first national title in 2016. We’ll have to see how the rehabilitation process continues for Fagan and Bogaards and if the Tigers are as deep in the middle infield as they seem.