Homza hits first career triple as a pro, fortnight after first bomb
Jonny Homza
The 19-year-old with the San Diego Padres rookie-level team has a .350 slugging percentage – 51 points higher than last year. His on-base percentage is .365 in 23 games compared to .304 in 54 games a year ago.
Homza, of South High fame, has shown steady improvement this season in all facets of the game.
His patience, power and precision at the plate are all better.
Defensively, he’s holding his own at catcher – which is exceptional considering he made his name as a shortstop and third baseman. The Padres made the Alaskan a fifth-round draft pick last year with plans to convert him into a backstop.
The transition was bumpy, like expected, but Homza has developed his skills and durability.
He’s thrown out seven base runners in nine games this year at catcher, compared to seven in 19 games last year. He still bounces between catcher and the infield and some nights serves as the team’s designated hitter.
His defensive range factor – putouts and assists divided by innings played – has jumped from 6.89 to 10.44.