Padres News: Miami Marlins Claim Tommy Medica off Waivers

By Keegan Tatum | Sep 8, 2015

San Diego Padres first baseman and corner outfielder Tommy Medica killed it in Spring Training again this year causing some Padre fans to argue he should start over Yonder Alonso. However, he was sent to AAA El Paso where this season he has regressed. Tuesday, Medica was claimed by the Miami Marlins off waivers as reported by MLB’s Jeff Todd.

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Medica was hitting quite well (.275/.322/.473/.795) going into the August 9, 2014 game against Pittsburgh. He was hit in the back of the head by a pitched ball. From then until the rest of the season, Medica was not the same player. For his career, he holds a .246/.308/.417/.725 slash line with twelve home runs and six stolen bases.

Despite an incredible spring this year, Medica was sent down to the minors. In a right-handed-heavy roster with an occupied first base and outfield position, he really had no place (perhaps unfortunately). The club went for the on-base first, low slugging, left-handed Alonso over the decent power but average on-base righty in Medica. The solid defensive option of spelling Wil Myers from center field duty at first base also likely led to Medica’s ouster from the Padres ranks.

In his 100 games with El Paso, Medica suffered a major dip in power (.364 slugging) and did not improve his on-base (.314). In fact, it was his worst season in the minors since 2010 by a noticeable margin.

The Marlins will likely try to platoon Medica with Justin Bour as the right-handed hitter to Bour’s left-handed hitting at first base.

A quick retrospective from FriarsonBase:

Medica Making Strong Spring Statement

What to do with Tommy Medica?

Medica Beaned in Head

And from before 2014 when perhaps his future seemed brightest: Tommy Medica Raking for the Padres

As Padres fans, we remember him for his unbuttoned shirt, how close he came to hitting for the cycle, and wish him nothing but the best.

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