Merchan Signs with Padres
Published on June 11, 2012 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Lancaster Stormers News Release
Infielder Jesus Merchan, the Atlantic League's leading hitter, has been signed by the San Diego Padres and will report to their Class AAA affiliate in Tucson, AZ on Monday, it was announced today.
Merchan was a late scratch from the Barnstormers lineup prior to the start of their game against Bridgeport on Saturday.
The right-handed hitter was batting .391 at the time of his departure. He had hit safely in 13 straight starts from May 6-22 and was batting .500 as late as May 20. The Venezuela native tied a franchise record by collecting five hits at Camden on May 9. He narrowly missed a sixth hit when third baseman Eddy Perez snared a line drive on Merchan's sixth at bat of the game.
Originally signed to be Lancaster's everyday shortstop, he played more third base for the club, in the absence of the injured Kody Kirkland. Merchan returns to Tucson where he batted .339 in 2008 when Tucson was affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
He becomes the second Barnstormer to be signed by a Major League organization during the road trip. Left-handed pitcher Rich Rundles was acquired by the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday.
"Jesus is a quality player," said manager Butch Hobson. "He was torn about leaving because he really loved this club and Lancaster, but this is a really good opportunity for him."
The Lancaster Barnstormers are entering their eighth season as a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Home games are played at Clipper Magazine Stadium in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Please call 717.509.HITS (4487) or visit LancasterBarnstormers.com for more information.
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