Former Padres Draft Pick Playing Awkwardly Important Role for Texas Rangers

An old friend has found his niche with the Rangers.

With the ALCS kicking off on Saturday, the Padres are like 26 other teams around the league... they're watching and not playing October baseball. The Friars unfortunately took a little too long to find their hot streak but at least ended the season with a fire under them going 20-7 in September and leaving a less bitter taste in their mouths.

While the Pads aren't playing, one former second round draft pick and long-time backstop is still playing and has found a uniquely important role for the Texas Rangers.

Old friend Austin Hedges.

Hedges is the backup catcher to All-Star Jonah Heim in Texas but as all of America learned this week when the Rangers swept the Orioles in the ALDS, he has a job as the wins counter for the Texas clubhouse.

Former San Diego and current Rangers skipper Bruce Bochy dropped a gem during the celebration right as cameras went live in the clubhouse.

Soak it all in, Rangers! 🍾🍾🍾 pic.twitter.com/mGbTp3LN6Y

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 11, 2023

“The only thing I need to know right now,” asked manager Bruce Bochy, “Hedgie, what’s the number on your a** right now?” 

The clubhouse erupted with what sounded like "eight more," which is how many more wins the Rangers would need to dispatch the Houston Astros and whoever they face in the World Series to bring home the Commissioner's Trophy for the first time in franchise history.

Hedges declined to elaborate, saying he'd open up after the season. All he offered was this: “That’s for us to know, and for you guys to wonder.”

Austin Hedges spent parts of 6 seasons with the Padres, hitting .199 with 49 home runs and 146 RBI over 406 games. He's since bounced around the league playing for the Guardians, Pirates, and now the Rangers.

Eight more, Hedgie...