Healthy Heath Quinn

After enduring a 2017 season that was derailed by a pair of injuries, 22-year-old outfielder Heath Quinn is eager to begin anew in 2018.

“I’m full-go, doing everything and just building up for the season,” Quinn said in early February.

The 2016 third-round pick from Samford enjoyed a fine first year in pro ball spent mainly at short-season Salem-Keizer. The righthanded hitter batted .344/.434/.564 with nine home runs in 54 games.

Then came 2017.

During spring training, Quinn broke the hamate bone in his left hand.

“That was kind of a crazy deal because it was just on one swing,” Quinn said. “It kind of just felt a little weird.”

That injury delayed his debut with high Class A San Jose until May 15. Through June 24, Quinn was hitting .287 with eight homers. Enter injury No. 2, to his right (throwing) shoulder.

“After a game, I woke up the next morning and I could barely move it,” Quinn said.

A stint on the disabled list for about two weeks preceded a rough final two months of the season for Quinn. The shoulder injury bothered him more throwing than it did hitting, but in any event, his average plummeted to .228 and he managed just two homers after he returned from the DL.

Following rest and rehab in the offseason, Quinn believes his shoulder is 100 percent.

Power remains his calling card. Quinn went deep 44 times during his three seasons at Samford; he hit 21 homers as a junior. In pro ball, he has 19 homers in 499 at-bats.

“I’ve never gone to the plate trying to hit a home run,” Quinn said. “I’ve always just tried to hit the ball hard somewhere. It’s resulted in some home runs.”

His 2017 results marked the first time in Quinn’s career that he struggled for an extended period. Now, he is ready to rebound.

“I’m hoping I can get off to a hot start this year,” Quinn said, “and erase those bad memories of late last season.”