Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
With the San Diego Padres officially eliminated from postseason contention, the team will focus on seeing what the September call ups are capable of accomplishing. One player in particular that should expect to play consistently over the next week and a half is first baseman Tommy Medica.
Medica has played in nine consecutive games to begin his Major League career. Over that span, he has strictly played first base, even though he is listed as a catcher. He has been spectacular at the position as he has a perfect fielding percentage in 68 total chances. The 25-year-old also has been sensational at the plate. In 33 at-bats, he has posted a .273 batting average, two home runs and six RBI as of Thursday night.
There is no question Medica has fit in nicely with the ball club. Obviously, there is always some concern adding a new player to the mix, especially when they are playing consistently. However, Medica has proven that he can handle the role. In fact, he has the look of someone who has played in the majors for years, instead of someone that has only suited up for a little over a week.
“Tommy’s done a nice job really fitting in with the group,” manager Bud Black said, according to Padres.com. “There is a calmness to him, there’s a confidence to him that we all like. On the field, coming in, I heard that this guy swings the bat, he can get the bat to the ball, he’s got a nice stroke, he’s got some strength to his swing, and really there hasn’t been a whole lot of bad at-bats. He’s swung at a few breaking balls in the dirt and chased a little bit, but overall his at-bats have been solid. I like the true ability to hit. He’s done a nice job, and defensively, he’s holding his own.”
The Padres are excited to see what Medica can accomplish over the next week or so. Hopefully, he will be able to end the season on a high note so he can carry some momentum into Spring Training.
