Padres Prospect Mears Rebounds with Second Homer in Return from Injury

After a slow start to his comeback from the injured list, Padres outfielder Joshua Mears has rediscovered his power stroke, connecting for his second home run in as many games with the Fort Wayne TinCaps.

Four days after returning from the injured list, Padres prospect Joshua Mears is beginning to find his groove at the plate.

The 20-year-old outfielder launched his second home run since coming off the injured list in the TinCaps' 9-4 loss to the Lake County Captains on Tuesday night. Mears' solo shot over the left-field wall in the fourth inning gave Fort Wayne a 2-1 lead at the time.

Padres Prospect Mears Rebounds with Second Homer in Return from Injury

Mears' home run was his sixth of the season, which ties him for the team lead with fellow outfielders Robert Hassell III and James Wood. The home run also marked the third time in his last four games that Mears has recorded an extra-base hit.

While Mears' power stroke has returned, the strikeouts that have plagued him this season continue to be a problem. He struck out twice against the Captains, bringing his season total to 107 in just 230 plate appearances.

Despite the strikeouts, Mears' power potential is undeniable. He is a physical specimen with a strong build and a powerful swing. When he makes contact, he hits the ball hard and with authority.

Mears missed the first 29 games of the season with a quad injury. Since returning from the injured list, he has started slowly, hitting just .189 (13-for-69) with two home runs and 30 strikeouts in 20 games.

However, the Padres remain confident in Mears' ability. He was one of their top draft picks in 2021, and he has shown flashes of his potential this season.

If Mears can reduce his strikeouts and make more consistent contact, he has the potential to be a valuable asset to the Padres down the road.

Here is a more detailed look at Mears' performance this season:

* **Batting average:** .189

* **Home runs:** 6

* **Runs batted in:** 23

* **Walks:** 22

* **Strikeouts:** 107

* **On-base percentage:** .321

* **Slugging percentage:** .399