SEATTLE -- Austin Hedges is still a defense-first catcher. Chances are, he always will be. But with his performance this season at the plate, Hedges has long since dispelled the notion that he might be "defense-only."
The Padres' backstop led the way in San Diego's 5-4 victory over the Mariners on Wednesday afternoon at Safeco Field. Hedges demolished a two-run homer to open the scoring in the second, and he went 2-for-4 to power a two-game sweep.
It's quite a statement from the 26-year-old Hedges, whose .