TCU gives next year’s potential catcher a shot at DH, and he fits

It’s hard enough to hit a triple. Let alone get a chance for an RBI triple.

So how about two?

How about two in the same week?

TCU freshman Zach Humphreys pulled it off last week at the Big 12 tournament, tripling to right field to drive in a run in the second inning of a game against Kansas and three days later tripling to left center to drive in a run in the first inning against Texas.

They were his first college three-base hits and the highlight of a six-game stretch in which the backup catcher from Midlothian hit .304 and knocked in five runs as the Horned Frogs’ designated hitter for four games and the catcher for two.

“I was honestly shocked to see my name in the starting lineup that first day, just because I had never DH’d in my life before,” he said. “It felt good to get some playing time, get those reps, and I felt a lot more comfortable from the first game to the last game.”

With TCU preparing for play in the Fort Worth Regional on Friday, Humphreys has emerged as one of coach Jim Schlossnagle’s main options at DH in the absence of Luken Baker.

He hit second in the lineup in all five games in Oklahoma City. He has been the DH in six games, beginning with the second game of the OU series, the day after Baker’s season-ending injury.

“A lot comes with the DH, just because you’re there to hit. There’s a lot riding on you,” he said. “You want to drive in runs, but it being the DH in the 2-hole, you’re not driving in as many runs. You’ve got to get on base.”

Exactly, Schlossnagle said.

“He’s ended up hitting a couple of home runs and a double or triple or two, but it’s more about getting on base,” Schlossnagle said. “And also allowing guys to stay in their normal spot in the lineup. It felt like he was a good fit. He handles the bat really well. He hits deep in counts, which we like. And he’s not afraid to take a walk.”

If Humphreys continues to DH, it will now be in the postseason — a first.

But he has indirect experience. An older brother, Alec Humphreys, played on Texas Tech’s 2013 and 2014 teams, going to the College World Series with the Red Raiders three years ago.

“He’s told me a lot about it. I know it’s a really fun time of the year,” Zach said. “I’ve come to watch, so I know what it looks like. But there’s nothing like playing in it. I’ve just got to not let the moment come over me and just control what I can control, stay small, stay through myself.”

Whatever happens, Humphreys is likely to benefit from the experience in time for next season as the heir apparent to Evan Skoug at catcher.

Skoug has long been impressed.

“He’s a very even-keeled person. He works really hard,” Skoug said. “We both get after it with each other. We make each other better. Being two catchers, we’ve formed a really good relationship. He’s like a little brother to me. I really enjoy being around him. He’s an awesome kid. He’s got great talent, so I’m really happy for him.”

This story was originally published June 2, 2017 at 12:55 PM with the headline "TCU gives next year’s potential catcher a shot at DH, and he fits."