San Diego Padres Minor League Relief Pitchers Of The Month - June 2025

[Alex Carl]

June was a strong month for relief arms throughout the Padres' minor league system, with multiple relievers posting zeros and locking down wins in high-leverage spots. A couple of arms just missed the cut, but the following five relievers stood out with either dominant strike-throwing, volume, or both.

But first, let’s start with a couple of honorable mentions who were just left off the list.

Honorable Mention: Andrew Moore (San Antonio Missions) – 8 G, 1.17 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 7.2 IP, 4 H, 6 BB, 12 K

Moore quietly turned in another strong month for San Antonio, allowing just one earned run over 7 2/3 innings while striking out 12. The righty posted a 1.17 ERA across eight appearances, and while he issued six walks, he worked around traffic effectively and continued to show promise as a high-leverage reliever at the Double-A level.

Honorable Mention: Vicarte Domingo (Lake Elsinore Storm) 7 G, 2.25 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 12.0 IP, 9 H, 3 BB, 12 K

Domingo gave the Storm a steady and efficient bullpen presence throughout June. The 22-year-old right-hander threw 12.0 innings over seven appearances, finishing with a 2.25 ERA and 12 strikeouts to just three walks. His ability to limit free passes and keep the ball in the park has made him a dependable late-inning option in Lake Elsinore’s relief corps.

5. Enmanuel Pinales (San Antonio Missions) – 4 G, 1.76 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 15.1 IP, 14 H, 7 BB, 15 K

Pinales had a rough May after being promoted to Double-A, struggling mightily as a starter. Luckily, the move to the bullpen in June has unlocked a different version of the 24-year-old. In just four outings this month, Pinales tossed 15.1 innings with a 1.76 ERA and 15 strikeouts, picking up three wins and a save. His 1.37 WHIP shows there’s still some refinement needed, but he’s settled in nicely as a long relief weapon, often saving the Missions’ bullpen by handling multiple innings at a time.

4. Nick Wissman (Fort Wayne TinCaps) – 6 G, 0.00 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 8.2 IP, 4 H, 6 BB, 7 K

After a brutal 15.75 ERA in May, Wissman flipped the script in June. He didn’t allow a single run across six appearances (8 2/3 IP), posted a 0.00 ERA, and held opposing hitters to a respectable .138 batting average. The only thing holding back his WHIP (1.15) was six walks, but opposing batters managed just four total hits against him. For the 25-year-old righty, it was an emphatic rebound month and a reminder of his swing-and-miss potential when he’s in the zone.

3. Jake Higginbotham (San Antonio Missions) – 7 G, 1.80 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 10.0 IP, 9 H, 4 BB, 16 K

Veteran lefty Jake Higginbotham quietly put together one of the most effective strikeout performances in the system this month. In 10 innings for Triple-A El Paso, the 29-year-old fanned 16 batters while walking just four, good for a 4:1 K-BB ratio. He notched two wins, posted a 1.80 ERA, and allowed only nine hits, a solid feat considering the hitter-friendly conditions in the PCL. While Higginbotham isn’t a high-profile prospect, he continues to offer valuable experience and efficiency from the left side.

2. Eduarnial Nunez (El Paso Chihuahuas) – 7 G, 0.00 ERA, 0.55 WHIP, 7.1 IP, 1 H, 3 BB, 11 K (2 SV)

Nunez was electric in June, flashing premium stuff and overpowering hitters in the Storm bullpen. Over 7 1/3 innings, he struck out 11, allowed just one hit, and didn’t give up a run. His 0.55 WHIP and .045 opponent batting average speak to how dominant he was, particularly in the closer role, where he picked up two saves. The 26-year-old's fastball is now brushing triple digits, but his improved feel for the slider has been the real breakthrough. If he keeps locating like this, Nunez could see a bump to the major leagues soon.

1. Garrett Hawkins (Fort Wayne TinCaps) – 8 G, 0.00 ERA, 0.43 WHIP, 9.1 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 9 K (2-0, 2 SV)

The top spot goes to Garrett Hawkins, who, for the second straight month, didn’t allow a run, and this time, he looked even sharper. The 6-foot-5 right-hander made eight appearances for San Antonio in June, tossing 9 1/3 scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and two walks. Opponents hit a minuscule .067 against him, and he posted an incredible 0.43 WHIP with nine strikeouts, two wins, and two saves. What makes Hawkins so effective is how cleanly he works. He’s not a strikeout machine, but he rarely puts runners on, doesn’t nibble, and forces weak contact. His long frame creates uncomfortable angles for hitters, and he’s showing growing command of both his fastball and slider. June marked his second consecutive month with a 0.00 ERA, and it’s clear he’s emerging as one of the system’s most reliable bullpen arms.

Whether in closing spots or middle-inning fireman roles, Hawkins has delivered with poise and consistency. If he continues to keep the walks down and miss just enough bats, the 24-year-old could soon find himself quickly rising up the farm system.

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