San Diego Padres first baseman Eric Hosmer is off to a hot start in 2022.
The 32-year-old is hitting .462 with 3 RBIs in 26 at-bats.
In last night’s game against the Atlanta Braves, Hosmer went 4-for-5 with 2 RBIs which came on a single in the bottom of the first inning.
However, Hosmer has not quite lived up to the eight-year, $144 million contract the Padres signed him to prior to the 2018 season, as his power numbers have been down from where they were during his time with the Kansas City Royals.
But this year, things have been a little bit different, and Padres manager Bob Melvin has taken note of that, saying that Hosmer looks to be enjoying playing the game of baseball again.
Bob Melvin on Eric Hosmer:
“It looks like he enjoys the game of baseball again.”
— Darnay Tripp (@DarnayTripp) April 15, 2022
Hosmer Producing Again
This is quite an enlightening comment by Melvin.
Hosmer has struggled a tad during his Padres tenure and hasn’t quite reached the numbers he put up while in Kansas City.
However, Melvin seems to see a little extra spark in him.
But it does make you wonder a little bit, was Hosmer not happy in San Diego?
Did he want out previously?
The potential trade that would have sent him to the New York Mets fell apart, but perhaps the trade rumors fueled him a little and gave him the extra push that he needed to get back on track.
At least now, he seems to be back on track and getting closer to where he was before signing with San Diego.
It’s good to see his manager take note of this and talk about him seeming happy playing the game of baseball.
The Padres are off to a 5-3 start, which has them in a four-way tie for first place in the National League West.
NEXT: Manny Machado Vouches For Eric Hosmer To Remain With The Padres