3 San Diego Padres players who exceeded expectations in June

Apr 13, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Jurickson Profar (10) grounds out to San Francisco Giants shortstop Mauricio Dubon (not pictured) during the fifth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Jurickson Profar (10) grounds out to San Francisco Giants shortstop Mauricio Dubon (not pictured) during the fifth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports /
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San Diego Padres catcher Austin Nola
SAN DIEGO, CA – JUNE 20: Austin Nola #26 of the San Diego Padres walks to the dugout before the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on June 20, 2022 at Petco Park in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images) /

San Diego Padres catcher Austin Nola

Padres catcher Austin Nola improved his hitting quite a bit since the beginning of the season. In April, he was hitting .153/.274/.250. In June, that’s increased to .230/.320/.379.

Last season, his isolated power was .104. This season, it’s down to .074, a noticeable drop-off. However, the significant increase in his slugging percentage, in particular, seems to be promising for an increase in power.

He’s also been the key factor in team victories, most notably a 1-0 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on June 24. He drove in the only run that game, and the Padres had their only win of the four-game series.

He’s far from having a breakout season. However, he didn’t appear to offer much potential coming into this season and has come along far in June. He’s undoubtedly proved he’s capable of more than he showed in the early season.