Hedges is not in the starting lineup Thursday against the Dodgers.
The 24-year-old was called up last Wednesday and had started five of the six games for which he's been with the club. Tonight, he'll give way to Derek Norris, who's hitting sixth. Known primarily as a defense-first prospect before this year, Hedges enjoyed a smashing season at Triple-A El Paso (.326/.353/.597, with 21 home runs in 334 plate appearances). Catchers often take a bit longer to grow into their hitting tools as they progress through a system, and even during their big-league career. He can contribute some last-ditch counting stats if you're struggling at the end of this season. Hedges also now boasts an intriguing package that could vault him into the Pads' starting backstop role -- and starting consideration in two-catcher fantasy leagues -- out of the gate next season.