After a rough start to his season, Padres minor league outfielder Joshua Mears is finally finding his footing, smashing his second home run since returning from the injured list with the Fort Wayne TinCaps.
After a tough start to the season, Padres minor league outfielder Joshua Mears is finally finding his footing.
Since returning from the Fort Wayne TinCaps' injured list, Mears has been on a tear, hitting his second home run in just six games. The 21-year-old outfielder is now batting .250 with two homers and six RBIs in 32 plate appearances.
Joshua Mears' Bat Returns to Life with Second Homer Post-Injury
"I'm just trying to see the ball and hit it hard," Mears said. "I'm not trying to do too much, just put a good swing on it and see what happens."
Mears missed the first three weeks of the season with a hamstring injury, but he has quickly made up for lost time. In his first game back, he went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Two days later, he hit his first home run of the season.
"He's a talented player, and we're excited to see what he can do," TinCaps manager Anthony Contreras said. "He's got a lot of potential, and we think he can be a big part of our team."
Mears is a former third-round pick by the Padres in the 2018 MLB Draft. He spent last season with the Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm, where he batted .273 with 10 home runs and 55 RBIs.
Mears is still striking out at a high rate (15 strikeouts in 32 plate appearances), but he is also drawing more walks (four) and hitting for more power.
"I'm just trying to be more patient at the plate," Mears said. "I'm not swinging at everything, and I'm trying to pick my pitches."
Mears is a key part of the TinCaps' offense, and he is expected to play a big role in the team's success this season.
"He's a guy who can really swing it," Contreras said. "We're hoping he can continue to produce for us."
In addition to his offensive production, Mears is also a solid defender in the outfield. He has good speed and a strong arm, and he is always hustling.
Mears is a player with a lot of potential, and he is still developing. But he is already making a big impact for the TinCaps, and he could be a key player for the Padres in the future.
Here are some additional highlights from Mears' recent performance:
* On May 11th, Mears went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI against the Lansing Lugnuts.
* On May 13th, he hit his first home run of the season against the Great Lakes Loons.
* On May 15th, he went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs against the South Bend Cubs.
Mears is scheduled to start in center field for the TinCaps on Tuesday night against the West Michigan Whitecaps.
