News release from the TinCaps:
Allen Named Midwest League Player of the Month for April
Catcher Leads Minors in Batting Average, On-Base Percentage, On-Base Plus Slugging
(May 5, 2016) – TinCaps catcher Box Score is the Midwest League’s Player of the Month for April. He’ll receive an award from Minor League Baseball, which announced the news, in recognition of the honor.
In April, Allen led the Midwest League in batting average (.460), slugging (.603), and OPS (1.143). Allen walked more times (10) than he struck out (eight) and hit in 11 straight games to start the season, including eight multi-hit games during the streak. Allen, 22, was selected by San Diego in the fourth round of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft out of NCAA Division II Florida Institute of Technology.
“I’m very grateful for this honor,” said Allen, who grew up in St. Louis. “It’s nice to start the season off strong, but I know there are still five months left to go. I’m just focused on continuing to work hard and help our team win games. I’m lucky to have great teammates and coaches in the Padres system who are making me a better player.”
Allen hasn’t just been the best hitter in the Midwest League so far this season, as of May 5, he leads all players in Minor League Baseball in batting average, on-base percentage, and on base plus slugging.
“It’s great to see Austin recognized for his success,” TinCaps manager Anthony Contreras said. “He worked his butt off during the off-season, so I’m happy it’s paying off for him.” During the winter, Allen trained in Florida with Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor and Miami Marlins infielder Derek Dietrich. He also worked with former Major League catcher Doug Mirabelli.
MLB.com’s MLB Pipeline currently ranks Allen as the Padres’ 26th best prospect. He was the Midwest League’s Player of the Week and on MLB.com‘s Prospect Team of the Week for the first week of the season.
The last TinCap to be named Midwest League Player of the Month was outfielder Box Score in August of 2014.
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