Steve Drumwright

San Diego Padres Weekly Snapshot Record last week: 2-4 Runs scored last week: 22 Runs allowed last week: 35 Standings Scores Game 28 (Monday): Padres 9, Cubs 7 Game 29 (Tuesday): Cubs 8, Padres 3 Game 30 (Wednesday): Cubs 5, Padres 4 Off (Thursday) Game 31 (Friday): White Sox 8, Padres 2 Game 32 (Saturday): White Sox 4, Padres 0 Game 33 (Sunday): Padres 4, White Sox 3 Series Breakdown/Highlights Cubs series Game 1: This will be known as the game that Mason Miller's scoreless streak came to an end under unusual circumstances, but it should also be remembered as Ty France continuing to be a key part of the offense. The Padres overcame an early 5-3 deficit and held on for a 9-7 victory over the Chicago Cubs (more on the ending in a minute) as France doubled, tripled, stole a base and drove in four runs. One reason the Friars have had the number of comebacks they have had is because of slow starts. That wasn't the case vs. the Cubs as the Padres scored three times in the first on a Jackson Merrill RBI single and a bases-loaded two-out two-run ground-rule double to make it 3-0. The Cubs moved ahead 5-3 on Seiya Suzuki's solo homer in the second and Moises Ballesteros' grand slam in the third off right-hander Randy Vasquez. Vasquez threw a season-high 106 pitches and managed to finish five innings despite allowing five runs on five hits and three walks with four strikeouts. In the fifth, now trailing 5-4, Manny Machado had a leadoff double, France drew a two-out walk and stole second, then Nick Castellanos, in an 0-for-19 funk, grounded a single up the middle to put the Friars up 6-5. Xander Bogaers and Miguel Andujar singled to open the bottom of the seventh when France hit his triple down the left-field line with the help of Matt Shaw's misjudgment to put the Friars up 8-5. Gavin Sheets put an exclamation point on the comeback with a no-doubt solo homer, his fourth of the year, in the eighth inning. But then came the ninth. Miller was already warm when Sheets hit his two-out homer and still came in despite it not being a save situation. Shaw led off the ninth with a dribbler that hugged the third-base line until it appeared to trickle foul just shy of the bag when France, now playing third after Machado left in the sixth inning with discomfort in his left leg, delicately picked it up as it came to a stop. Replays showed a sliver of dirt between the ball and the line, but home plate umpire Dan Merzel ruled fair, which was upheld after consulting with the third base umpire. The play was not subject to replay review by rule. MLB would say the next day that the ball was foul. Two more singles followed, making it three hits in the inning and doubling Miller's hits allowed this season, to load the bases. Nico Hoerner hit a grounder to second that brought in the first run against Miller after 34⅔ innings, a club record and the eighth-longest streak in MLB since at least 1961. Miller uncorked a wild pitch to plate the second run before he got a groundout and a strikeout to complete the victory. Game 2: The Padres' bullpen is usually rock solid, so it is kind of shocking when the relievers falter. That happened in the Friars' 8-3 loss to the Cubs in this rematch of last year's NL Wild Card Series won by Chicago. The loss snapped the Padres' nine-game Petco Park winning streak. It was 2-2 entering the top of the sixth with Padres left-hander Kyle Hart on the mound after getting the last out of the fifth for starter Walker Buehler. Hart gave up a single, a failed sacrifice bunt and a walk to put runners on first and second with one out. On came David Morgan, who had given up eight runs in his previous three outings. After a wild pitch and a strikeout, Morgan gave up a two-out two-run double to Hoerner for a 4-2 Cubs lead. Morgan came out for the seventh, but it was just to face one batter, walking Suzuki. Left-hander Wandy Peralta was brought in with switch-hitter Ian Happ and left-handed hitter Michael Busch up. Happ grounded back to Peralta and Busch was hit by a pitch. Carson Kelly grounded out to Bogaerts, who made a nice play up the middle to get the one out. But Bregman had an opposite-field RBI single and Pete Crow-Armstrong delivered the death blow with a three-run homer. Buehler was OK, giving up two runs on three hits with three walks and four strikeouts in 4⅔ innings. Machado, who left Monday's game due to cramping in his left calf, sat out. With Miguel Andujar dealing with hamstring tightness, that led manager Craig Stammen to put Jake Cronenworth at third base for just the second time in his MLB career and first since his rookie season of 2020. Stammen also missed the last few innings as he had a flight to catch in order to attend a funeral. Bench coach Randy Knorr took over and will be in charge for the series finale, with Stammen expected back for the weekend series vs. the Chicago White Sox. Game 3: For the first time since the first two series of the season, the Padres lost a set. That came with a 5-4 loss to the Cubs after the Friars had gone 6-0-1 since dropping the series to the San Francisco Giants. The Padres had won 17 of their 20 games in April before losing the final two to the Cubs. The Padres got a couple of unexpected offensive contributions as Andujar hit his first homer in a Padres uniform in the fifth to trim Chicago's lead to 3-1, then Castellanos had his second big hit of the series when a two-run blast, joining Andujar in the first-time-as-a-Padre club. But that was the real extent of the offense. The Padres had just three hits, with their fourth run of the game coming without the benefit of a hit. In the bottom of the eight and trailing 5-3, Castellanos, Campusano and Merrill each drew full-count walks to load the bases. Fernando Tatis Jr.' sacrifice fly to center plated the Friars' final run of the game as Machado followed by grounding into a 4-6-3 double play. Andujar's homer, a tomahawk job, broke up a perfect game by Cubs right-hander Jameson Taillon. Unfortunately, Padres right-hander Matt Waldron couldn't match that effort. After giving up an RBI single in the top of the second, Waldron was touched for a two-run homer by Crow-Armstrong in the fourth to put the Cubs up 3-0. While the Padres tied it with the fifth-inning homers, Crow-Armstrong's RBI groundout against left-hander Adrian Morejon restored the Cubs' lead and Matt Shaw made it a 5-3 game with his solo shot off right-hander Jason Adam. Waldron allowed three runs on six hits and a walk while striking out one. White Sox series Game 1: While the calendar flipped to a new month, the Padres' fortunes remained the same as they were to end April. Right-hander German Marquez continued his Jekyll and Hyde season with a rough start in the Friars' 8-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox, the Padres' season-worst third straight loss. Marquez had alternated good and bad outings in his first six starts this season, but turned in his worst game after a poor performance in his previous start. Marquez was torched for seven runs in five innings, allowing five hits (two homers) and five walks while striking out two. Marquez had walked seven in his previous five starts. Three of those five walks came in the second inning as the White Sox tagged Marquez for six runs, with two coming back-to-back with one out and preceding Munetaka Murakami's two-out three-run homer. The second inning included a defensive gaffe by Fernando Tatis Jr., who was playing second base for the sixth time this season. On a potential double-play grounder to Machado with runners on the corners, the third baseman threw to Tatis at second for one out and Tatis saw the runner breaking for home. A good throw would have gotten the out, but Tatis' toss wasn't even close, allowing the White Sox to go up 2-0. Murakami's MLB-leading 13th blast followed four hitters later. Padres hitters didn't have much luck solving 6-foot-10 White Sox left-hander Noah Schultz, who limited the Friars to two hits and three walks with a pair of strikeouts over six scoreless innings. The Padres had just two hits and were down 8-0 entering the bottom of the eighth. Bryce Johnson drew a one-out walk, then Tatis, Andujar and Machado had consecutive two-out singles to account for their two runs. Game 2: Another day, another quality start turned in against the Padres. An offense that showed up at the right times in the first month of the season hasn't been able to come up with the hits at the right times recently, which resulted in a season-high fourth straight loss, a 4-0 decision to the White Sox. The Friars had just six hits, including four against right-hander Sean Burke, who turned in the second straight start of six scoreless innings against the Padres. Burke struck out eight and walked one. Still, the Padres, who have eight comeback wins this season, had a chance in the ninth. Merrill had a leadoff infield single, then Machado and Bogaerts walked to load the bases with nobody out. But Sheets struck out on an ABS challenge by the White Sox, Andujar flew out to shallow right and Luis Campusano struck out, securing the Padres' second shutout of the season. Padres right-handed starter Michael King was overall pretty good, but he ran out of steam at the end of his outing. King matched Burke by taking a shutout into the sixth. He gave up a one-out walk and single and, after a groundout put runners on second and third, gave up a two-run single to Miguel Vargas. With an overworked bullpen, King went out for the seventh, but that move backfired. Two singles sandwiched around a double made it 3-0 and ended King's night. Bradgley Rodriguez came in gave up a one-out safety squeeze for the fourth run off King. King gave up seven hits and three walks with five strikeouts. One bright spot was the return of right-handed reliever Jeremiah Estrada, who was activated from the 15-day injured list the day before after a bout of tendinitis in his right elbow. Estrada was back to his old self, striking out the side in the ninth. Game 3: The Padres unfortunately get off to slow starts, but boy, do they know how to finish. Bogaerts provided the difference in this one as his excuse-me check-swing grounder to third base brought in Laureano from third with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning, snapping a tie and giving the Padres a 4-3 victory, preventing a three-game sweep by the White Sox. The victory also halted a four-game losing streak. Right-handed starter Griffin Canning made his Padres debut as Marquez went on the injured list. The SoCal native looked right at home, allowing a solo homer as part of his three hits and three walks, while striking out seven over five innings. An offense that has been scuffling all week came to life in the bottom of the fourth inning. Canning gave up the homer in the third inning, the fifth straight game the Friars fell behind. Then Andujar, batting second with Tatis getting a day off, led off the fourth by drilling a 1-2 sinker into the left-center field bleachers for his second homer of the season, both coming this week. Machado followed suit two batters later with a towering solo blast, his fifth homer of the year, to put the Padres up 2-1, their first lead since Monday. Bogaerts and France singled and moved to second and third on a groundout. Fermin followed with a walk, but the 3-2 pitch was wild and Bogaerts scampered home for a 3-1 lead. Morejon coughed up a two-run homer in the seventh to tie the game, setting up another dramatic finish. Laureano led off the eighth with a walk, stole second and scored on a Merrill infield single. Merrill stole second and, after an out, Bogaerts plated the go-ahead run with his soft chopper. Miller, in his first save chance of the week, nailed down his MLB-leading 11th with three strikeouts. Now the Padres have a quick road trip to San Francisco for three against the Giants before a short four-game homestand vs. the St. Louis Cardinals. Marvelous Mason Miller Some of the amazing stats for the Padres' closer: 1.10 ERA, 16 games, 16⅓ innings, 11 saves in 11 chances, seven hits, two runs (both earned), three walks, 32 strikeouts, .127 opponent batting average. Has retired the first batter in all 16 appearances. 71% of his 230 pitches this season have been strikes. Has recorded three strikeouts in seven of his saves. New scoreless streak is 1⅔ innings. Random Stats Manny Machado's third-inning double Monday vs. the Cubs was the 400th of his career, the 10th-highest total among activate players. Teammate Nick Castellanos joined that club with his first double of the season. The two quality starts by the White Sox were the 14th and 15th by an opposing pitcher in the Padres' 33 games. Five of those have been six scoreless innings. The Padres are now 4-1 in the rubber game of series this year after losing the finale to the Cubs. Fernando Tatis Jr.'s homer-less streak is now at 139 plate appearances. The Friars have had an extra-base hit in 34 consecutive games dating back to last year, their longest since a 43-game run to end 2024. Transactions Monday: Optioned IF Sung-Mun Song to El Paso Chihuahuas. Tuesday: Sent RHP Jeremiah Estrada on a rehab assignment to El Paso Chihuahuas. Thursday: Optioned RHP David Morgan to El Paso Chihuahuas. Friday: Activated RHP Jeremiah Estrada from the 15-day injured list. Friday: Sent IF Will Wagner on a rehab assignment to El Paso Chihuahuas. Sunday: Activated RHP Griffin Canning (ruptured left Achilles) from the 15-day injured list. Sunday: Placed RHP German Márquez on the 15-day injured list with forearm nerve inflammation retroactive to Saturday. Website Highlights Morejon remains the quintessential setup man for Padres — Randy Holt The Crone Zone is a lonely place in San Diego these days — Tom Gatto France is suddenly the Padres' most important hitter — Steve Drumwright History says Marquez, King will be OK after pitching in Mexico City — Tom Gatto Seidler family announce sale agreement with Felicano, Jones — Steve Drumwright Padres Minor-League Pitcher of the Month: Winyer Chourio — Steve Drumwright Looking Ahead Monday: Padres (Randy Vasquez) at Giants (TBA), 6:45 p.m. Tuesday: Padres (Walker Buehler) at Giants, 6:45 p.m. Wednesday: Padres (Matt Waldron) at Giants, 12:45 p.m. Thursday: Cardinals at Padres (Michael King), 7:10 p.m. Friday: Cardinals at Padres (Griffin Canning), 6:45 p.m. Saturday: Cardinals at Padres (Randy Vasquez), 4:15 p.m. Sunday: Cardinals at Padres (Walker Buehler), 1:10 p.m. View full article

Three of four San Diego Padres affiliates won Sunday. Eric Yost struck out seven across four innings as San Antonio held off Tulsa 8-7, and Tirso Ornelas drove in the go-ahead run. Lamar King Jr. drove in four runs, and Igor Gil delivered three hitless innings as Fort Wayne edged South Bend 11-10. Qrey Lott went 5-for-5 with two home runs and six RBIs as Lake Elsinore won 12-10 in 10 innings. El Paso fell 4-3. Padres Minor-League Transactions No roster moves Sung-Mun Song Homers, But Chihuahuas Drop Finale For Split After being on the wrong end of two blowouts, the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas found themselves in a tight one during the series finale. Unfortunately, this one ended like the previous two: with a loss. The host Albuquerque Isotopes scored an eighth-inning run to pull out a 4-3 triumph, splitting the six-game series. Left-handed starter Jackson Wolf kept things from getting out of hand like they did the previous two games, allowing three runs in 4⅔ innings on five hits and two walks with a strikeout. The bullpen of right-handers Garrett Hawkins, Ethan Routzahn and David Morgan only gave up one run on four hits with two walks and three strikeouts over the final 3⅓ innings. El Paso jumped out to a 1-0 win in the top of the first as Will Wagner, in his second game of a rehab assignment following a spring training right oblique strain, doubled and took third on a throwing error, then scored on Samad Taylor's single to left. Albuquerque took a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the third, which stood until the Chihuahuas came to bat in the seventh. Sung-Mun Song hit his first home run as a member of the Padres organization, driving the first pitch of the inning over the fence in right. Mason McCoy singled and stole second, Pablo Reyes walked and a groundout moved the runners to second and third. Rodolfo Duran then lined an opposite-field single through the infield to right to score a pair and tie the game 3-3. But the Isotopes put together a rally in the bottom of the eighth against Morgan, making his first appearance since being demoted by the Padres, that proved to be the difference. Six players had hits for the Chihuahuas, but none had more than one. Reyes walked twice and has reached base in all 22 games he has played. Wagner was also hit by a pitch. EP_0503.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Jase Bowen, CF 3 0 0 0 1 3 Will Wagner, 3B 2 1 1 0 1 0 Samad Taylor, RF 4 0 1 1 0 0 Nick Solak, LF 4 0 1 0 0 0 Sung-Mun Song, 2B 4 1 1 1 0 1 Mason McCoy, SS 4 1 1 0 0 0 Pablo Reyes, DH 2 0 0 0 2 0 Jose Miranda, 1B 4 0 0 0 0 1 Rodolfo Durán, C 4 0 1 1 0 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Jackson Wolf 4 2/3 5 3 3 2 1 0 Garrett Hawkins 1 1/3 1 0 0 0 1 0 Ethan Routzahn 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 David Morgan (L, 0-1) 1 2 1 1 2 2 0 Leandro Cedeno, Tirso Ornelas Lead Missions To Victory While wins have been hard to come by for the Double-A San Antonio Missions, that doesn't mean they don't have some talent on the roster. Leandro Cedeno hit a three-run homer and Tirso Ornelas also homered and drove in three, including the tiebreaking run in the eighth, as the Missions won the series finale 8-7. The Missions (7-20) won two games in a series for just the second time this year. Cedeno, Ornelas, Romeo Sanabria and Braedon Karpathios each had two of the 10 hits for the Missions, who also were issued eight walks. The Missions held a 6-1 lead in the top of the fourth before needing the late heroics. Ornelas homered leading off the second, his fourth of the year, and a wild pitch made it 2-0. Karpathios tacked on an RBI single in the third for a 3-0 lead. After a pair of walks in the fourth, Cedeno cranked a no-doubt three-run blast, with a nice little bat flip, to deep left to make it 6-1. It was Cedeno's third homer of the season. Ornelas made it 7-1 when he drew a bases-loaded walk in the sixth, but Tulsa scored three in the bottom of the sixth and three more in the seventh to tie it 7-7. In the eighth, Sanabria got things going with a two-out single and was pinch-run for by Kai Roberts. Ornelas then laced a double on an 0-2 pitch to right-center to easily score Roberts from first. Missions right-handed starter Eric Yost didn't allow a hit, but did give up a run on three walks while striking out seven in four innings. Johan Moreno picked up the win with 2⅓ hitless innings. SA_0503.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Ethan Salas, C 2 2 0 0 3 0 Ryan Jackson, 2B 3 1 0 0 2 1 Leandro Cedeño, DH 5 1 2 3 0 1 Romeo Sanabria, 1B 3 1 2 0 1 1 Kai Roberts, CF 0 1 0 0 0 0 Tirso Ornelas, LF 3 1 2 3 2 0 Braedon Karpathios, RF 5 1 2 1 0 1 Luis Verdugo, 3B 5 0 1 0 0 2 Albert Fabian, 1B 5 0 0 0 0 0 Francisco Acuna, SS 5 0 1 0 0 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Eric Yost 4 0 1 1 3 7 0 Omar Cruz 1 2/3 3 3 3 0 2 2 Francis Peña 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 Harry Gustin 1 3 3 2 1 2 0 Johan Moreno (W, 1-0) 2 1/3 0 0 0 1 4 0 Lamar King Jr. Leads Homer Brigade As TinCaps Win 5th Straight The Padres have another catcher on a bit of a hot streak. Lamar King Jr., Padres Mission's No. 13 prospect, homered and matched his career high with four RBIs as the High-A Fort Wayne TinCaps won their fifth in a row, fending off the host South Bend Cubs 11-10. Carlos E. Rodriguez hit a three-run homer, while Rosman Verdugo and Jake Cunningham also homered and had a pair of RBIs. King, Rodriguez, Verdugo and Cunningham each had two of the TinCaps' 10 hits. Fort Wayne also drew seven walks. Coming off his first career four-hit game, King, at designated hitter Sunday, homered on the first pitch he saw for a two-run homer for a quick 2-0 lead. It was his second homer of the season. Rodriguez continued the big first inning with his three-run blast and a 5-0 lead, his third homer this year. South Bend scored five in the third to tie it. Verdugo led off the top of the fourth with his fourth homer and Cunningham doubled home a pair for an 8-5 lead. South Bend countered with two runs in the bottom of the fourth, then King went back to work in the fifth with his two-run double and a 10-7 TinCaps lead. After the Cubs made it 10-8 in the bottom of the fifth, Cunningham led off the top of the sixth with his sixth homer this year, making it 11-8. South Bend scored twice in the bottom of the sixth, but both bullpens shut out the offenses over the final three innings. TinCaps starter Abraham Parra was tagged for five runs on five hits and two walks with two strikeouts over 2⅔ innings. Igor Gil came in during the sixth inning and pitched three scoreless innings, while Clay Edmondson picked up his Midwest League-best fifth save with a scoreless ninth. FW_0503.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Kasen Wells, CF 4 3 1 0 1 0 Rosman Verdugo, 2B 4 1 2 2 1 0 Lamar King Jr., DH 4 2 2 4 1 1 Alex McCoy, LF 5 0 0 0 0 3 Jake Cunningham, RF 4 2 2 2 1 0 Jack Costello, 1B 5 1 1 0 0 1 Carlos Rodriguez, C 4 2 2 3 1 1 Zach Evans, 3B 4 0 0 0 1 1 Dylan Grego, SS 4 0 0 0 1 2 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Abraham Parra 2 1/3 5 5 5 2 2 2 Clark Candiotti 1 1 2 2 2 1 0 C.J. Widger (H, 1) 1 1/3 0 1 1 3 1 0 Luis Germán (H, 2) 0 1/3 4 2 1 0 0 1 Igor Gil (W, 2-0) 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 Clay Edmondson (S, 5) 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 Qrey Lott's Huge Day Helps Storm Rally To Win In 10 You don't have to look far to find the Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm in the California League standings. And it is because of wins like this. Down to the final strike of the game, Qrey Lott hit his second homer of the game, a go-ahead two-run homer in the top of the ninth, and Luke Cantwell singled home the go-ahead run in a three-run 10th inning as the Storm surged past the host Ontario Tower Buzzers 12-10. The Storm have won five straight after dropping the series opener. Lott's two homers were part of a 5-for-5, six-RBI day. Lott also homered in the second inning, a two-run shot as part of the best day of his young career. Lott had no homers and three RBIs in the first seven games of his career. Lott went undrafted in 2025 and signed with the Padres in July. Cantwell went 4-for-5 and scored a pair of runs, while Truitt Madonna and George Bilecki each went 3-for-6, with Bilecki driving in a pair and scoring twice. Justin DeCriscio also homered. Lake Elsinore trailed 5-4 entering the top of the seventh when Jorge Quintana's one-out RBI single tied it, Bilecki singled home Quintana with the go-ahead run and Lott drove in Bilecki to make it 7-5. But Ontario scored three runs of its own in the eighth to reclaim the lead at 8-7. In the ninth, Kerrington Cross drew a two-out walk and Lott hit a towering two-run blast to center on a 2-2 pitch to flip the script and take a 9-8 lead. But Ontario tied it with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to force extra innings. DeCriscio was the zombie runner and went to third on a wild pitch, then scored on Cantwell's one-out single to right to put the Storm up 10-9. A two-out passed ball put Cantwell on third and Quintana doubled to left that was misplayed to make it 11-9. Bilecki capped the outburst with a single to center for a 12-9 lead. LE_0503.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Ryan Wideman, CF 3 0 0 0 0 1 Conner Westenburg, CF 1 0 0 0 1 1 Justin DeCriscio, LF 6 2 1 1 0 1 Truitt Madonna, 1B 6 0 3 0 0 1 Luke Cantwell, DH 5 2 4 1 0 1 Yoiber Ocopio, C 5 0 0 0 0 1 Jorge Quintana, SS 4 3 2 2 2 2 George Bilecki, RF 6 2 3 2 0 1 Kerrington Cross, 3B 3 1 1 0 3 0 Qrey Lott, LF 5 2 5 6 0 0 Jose Verdugo, 2B 1 0 0 0 0 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Carlos Medina 3 5 2 2 1 4 0 Joseph Herrera 2 2 2 2 0 2 1 Nick Falter 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 Vicarte Domingo (W, 1-0)(BS, 1) 2 4 4 4 2 1 1 Rordy Mejia (S, 1) 1 2 1 0 0 1 0 Top-20 Prospect Performance Kash Mayfield: DNP Ethan Salas: 0-for-2, 3 BB, SB Kruz Schoolcraft: DNP Bradgley Rodriguez: DNP Humberto Cruz: DNP Miguel Mendez: DNP Ty Harvey: DNP Jorge Quintana: 2-for-4, 2B, 2 BB, 2 RBI, SB, 2 K Kale Fountain: DNP Ryan Wideman: 0-for-3, K Jagger Haynes: DNP Lamar King Jr.: 2-for-4, 2B, HR, BB, 4 RBI, K Romeo Sanabria: 2-for-3, BB, SB, K Truitt Madonna: 3-for-6, K Michael Salina: DNP Garrett Hawkins: 1 1/3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K Kavares Tears: DNP Deivid Coronil: DNP Francis Pena: 0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 0 K Bryan Balzer: DNP View full article

One new guy is set to debut, while another is on the shelf for a bit. The San Diego Padres activated right-hander Griffin Canning from the 15-day injured list before Sunday's start against the Chicago White Sox, while right-handed starter German Marquez went on the 15-day IL with nerve inflammation in his right forearm Canning has not pitched since rupturing his left Achilles in June while with the New York Mets. He signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Padres as spring training began and made five rehab appearances with Triple-A El Paso. With the Mets last year, Canning had a 4.04 FIP (3.77 ERA) in 76⅓ innings, with a 10.7% walk rate and 21.3% strikeout rate. Marquez has had a rocky start to his Padres career. He signed for one-year, $1.75 million at the same time as Canning did after a 10-year career with the Colorado Rockies. In six starts this year, Marquez has a 6.69 FIP (5.76 ERA) with 12 walks and 19 strikeouts in 29⅔ innings. Marquez started Friday and was roughed up by the Chicago White Sox, allowing seven runs on five hits with five walks and two strikeouts in five innings. View full rumor

The second time through Lake Elsinore is proving to be beneficial for Winyer Chourio. The 22-year-old right-handed starter struggled in nine appearances for the Low-A affiliate in 2025, registering a 6.30 ERA in 20 innings. But back for a second tour with the Storm, Chourio is showing the promise from when the San Diego Padres signed him two years ago. Chourio finished April with his best outing as a pro, striking out eight and allowing one run over five innings in the Storm's 4-3 loss in 10 innings Tuesday to the Ontario Tower Buzzers, a Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate. That capped a month in which he appeared in five games with four starts, compiling a 2.12 ERA, allowing four runs on nine hits with eight walks and 26 strikeouts over 17 innings. His 26 K's are tied for second in the California League. He limited opponents to a .153 batting average. That performance earned Chourio our unofficial award for the Friars' pitcher of the month in April 2026. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Chourio is a late bloomer. While most international free agents sign as 16-year-olds, the Venezuelan didn't latch on with the Padres until he was 20 years old, inking his contract in May 2024. He immediately performed well while pitching for the Padres' Dominican Summer League teams. In 12 games (seven starts), Chourio had a 2.09 ERA in 38⅔ innings, striking out 34 and walking 19 while opponents hit .159. CHOURIO_MILB_POM.mp4 That earned him a trip to the U.S. for the 2025 season. Doing that affects players differently and Chourio, who is not related to Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio, struggled during his first season in America. He began the season in the Arizona Complex League, making three starts among his 12 games. In 35⅓ innings, Chourio had a 6.37 ERA with 16 walks and 38 strikeouts, allowing five homers in his 44 hits. Opponents hit .308 against him. The Padres pushed him up to Lake Elsinore for the final two months of the season, where he appeared in nine games (two starts). It didn't go much better with the Storm as he threw 20 innings, walking 11 and striking out 17. He eliminated home runs from his ledger but saw opponents hit .309. But 2026 has been much different. Returning to Lake Elsinore, Chourio has been the best pitcher in the Padres' system over the first month (a slight edge over Fort Wayne TinCaps left-hander Kash Mayfield). After making a one-inning relief appearance on Opening Day, Chourio has been the Tuesday starter for the Storm, opening each six-game series. Chourio has allowed four runs in 17 innings. In his four starts, he has struck out six, five, six and a career-high of eight. That eight-strikeout performance came in the same game that rehabbing Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell started, so he might have been a little amped for that matchup. The five innings were the most he has pitched since coming to the U.S. It would figure that Chourio would need more success at Lake Elsinore before being promoted to Fort Wayne, which has the worst team ERA in the Midwest League. His 2.12 ERA would lead the California League if he had a few more innings. He likely won't spend the rest of the first half with the Storm, but making sure he is ready for a promotion would be beneficial for everyone involved. View full article

Tyler Schmitt struck out six over five scoreless innings as the Lake Elsinore Storm beat Ontario 4-2, with Victor Duarte driving in three. The Fort Wayne TinCaps edged South Bend 7-6 on two ninth-inning wild pitches, with Braian Salazar fanning five in relief and Lamar King Jr. collecting four hits. Ethan Salas homered yet again but the San Antonio Missions fell 5-4. El Paso jumped out to a 5-0 lead, but was blasted by Albuquerque 19-7. Padres Minor-League Transactions None. Chihuahuas Blown Out Again By Isotopes For the second game in a row, the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas gave up a pair of seven-run innings, this time leading to a 19-7 loss to the host Albuquerque Isotopes. El Paso had a 5-1 lead when the Isotopes scored seven in the fourth and seven in the fifth to claim a 15-5 lead. Right-handed starter Sean Boyle gave up seven of those runs in 3⅔ innings on six hits and two walks with four strikeouts. The Isotopes also had a pair of seven-run innings in a 26-8 loss Friday. San Diego Padres left-handed reliever Yuki Matsui made what was likely his last rehab appearance, pitching the sixth and seventh innings, giving up two runs on one hit and a walk with a strikeout. Matsui, who has a strained left groin, must be activated Monday. He made 11 appearances for El Paso. Mason McCoy went 3-for-5 with an RBI double, Nick Schnell homered and drove in a pair of runs, while Clay Dungan had a bases-loaded double in the five-run first inning. EP_0502.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Sung-Mun Song, 3B 4 0 1 0 1 2 Samad Taylor, LF 5 1 1 0 0 2 Carlos Rodríguez, CF 5 1 1 0 0 1 Mason McCoy, SS 5 1 3 1 0 0 Nate Mondou, DH 4 1 1 1 1 1 Nick Schnell, RF 5 2 2 2 0 3 Marcos Castañon, 1B 3 1 0 0 1 1 Clay Dungan, 2B 4 0 2 3 0 1 Anthony Vilar, C 4 0 1 0 0 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Sean Boyle 3 2/3 6 7 7 2 4 1 Misael Tamarez 1/3 3 5 3 3 0 1 Logan Gillaspie 1 4 3 0 0 1 0 Yuki Matsui 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 Alek Jacob 1 2 3 3 1 0 0 Salas Hits 5th Homer, But Missions Come Up Short For the fifth time in seven games, Ethan Salas left the yard. Padres Mission's No. 1 prospect homered for the second game in a row as the Double-A San Antonio Missions fell to the host Tulsa Drillers 5-4. Salas, the 19-year-old who hadn't homered until April 24 and has been hitting out of the leadoff spot, took over the team lead with his fourth homer Friday and added to that total with a solo shot in the seventh inning Saturday that pulled the TinCaps within 5-3. Salas had struck out in his previous two at-bats. Carson Tucker made it 5-4 with his eighth-inning sacrifice fly, but the final four TinCaps were retired in order. Salas, who also has a team-high 14 RBIs, has a .315/.390/.589 slash line in 21 games this year. His homer April 24 was the first in three consecutive games, spilling over to the first game of this series. Tulsa jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the second inning against Missions right-handed starter Ian Koenig, including a three-run homer by Josue De Paula. Luis Verdugo plated the TinCaps' first run with an RBI double in the fourth, but the Drillers got a run back in the bottom of the fourth. Verdugo made it 5-2 with a sacrifice fly in the sixth, then Salas hit his homer in the seventh and Tucker's sac fly trimmed it to 5-4. In addition to Verdugo driving in a pair, Braedon Karpathios went 2-for-4. Leandro Cedeño singled and drew three of the TinCaps' seven walks and scored twice. Fort Wayne had just five hits. Four Missions relievers—right-handers Josh Malliltz, Andrew Moore, Michael Flynn and Sadrac Franco—combined for 4⅓ scoreless innings, with three hits, two walks and six strikeouts. SA_0502.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Ethan Salas, DH 4 1 1 1 1 2 Kai Roberts, CF 5 0 0 0 0 4 Leandro Cedeño, 1B 1 2 1 0 3 0 Tirso Ornelas, LF 4 0 0 0 0 0 Luis Verdugo, 3B 2 1 1 2 1 0 Braedon Karpathios, RF 4 0 2 0 0 1 Carson Tucker, SS 2 0 0 1 1 0 Ryan Jackson, 2B 4 0 0 0 0 3 Chris Sargent, C 3 0 0 0 1 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Ian Koenig 3 2/3 4 5 0 0 2 1 Josh Mallitz 1 1/3 0 0 0 2 2 0 Andrew Moore 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 Michael Flynn 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 Sadrac Franco 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 Down To Final Strike, TinCaps Pull Off Ninth-Inning Rally One strike away from suffering a loss, the High-A Fort Wayne TinCaps pulled off an improbable victory by capitalizing on a bout of wildness to score twice in the top of the ninth inning for a 7-6 triumph over the host South Bend Cubs. Fort Wayne won for the fourth straight game, its longest streak since April 29-May 3 of last year. After the Cubs took a 6-5 lead in the bottom of the eighth on a bases-loaded walk, the first two TinCaps grounded out to begin the top of the ninth. Alex McCoy drew a five-pitch walk, Jack Costello a four-pitch free pass and Kavares Tears, after fouling off a 3-2 pitch, earned a seven-pitch walk to load the bases. With pinch-hitter Carlos E. Rodriguez up, the pitcher uncorked two wild pitches, bringing in the tying and go-ahead runs. Right-handed reliever Kleiber Olmedo, who came on to begin the eighth, overcame another walk to induce a game-ending double play. Costello went deep for the second time in as many at-bats, hitting a solo shot in the second inning after homering in his final trip Friday, while Lamar King Jr.—Padre's Mission's No. 13 prospect—went 4-for-5 with a run scored and Jake Cunningham drove in a pair of runs. King's four-hit game was the first in 153 games between Low-A and High-A. McCoy doubled in the fifth inning to extend his on-base streak to 21 games. Dylan Grego reached base three times, including twice via walks. The TinCaps drew eight walks. Left-hander Jamie Hitt lasted just 2⅓ innings, throwing 76 pitches (44 strikes), allowing three runs (two earned) on three hits and three walks with four strikeouts. FW_0502.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Jake Cunningham, LF 5 0 1 2 0 1 Zach Evans, 3B 5 0 1 0 0 0 Lamar King Jr., 1B 5 1 4 0 0 0 Kasen Wells, CF 0 0 0 0 0 0 Alex McCoy, DH 4 1 1 0 1 0 Jack Costello, 1B 3 2 1 2 1 1 Kavares Tears, RF 3 1 1 0 2 1 Oswaldo Linares, C 4 0 0 0 0 1 Carlos Rodriguez, C 0 0 0 0 1 0 Jonathan Vastine, SS 4 1 0 0 1 2 Dylan Grego, 2B 2 1 1 1 2 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Jamie Hitt 2 1/3 3 3 2 3 4 0 Will Varmette 1 2/3 1 0 0 0 1 0 Bernard Jose 1 1 2 2 2 2 0 Braian Salazar 2 0 1 1 1 5 0 Kleiber Olmedo 2 1 0 0 2 2 0 Victor Duarte Snaps Late Tie, Tyler Schmitt Stellar In Storm Win Victor Duarte drove in three runs, including a two-run double in the eighth inning that broke a tie, giving the Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm a 4-2 victory over the host Ontario Tower Buzzers. The Storm won despite having just three hits, although they drew nine walks. The game was tied 2-2 entering the top of the eighth when Truitt Madonna walked and Justin DeCriscio put down a perfect bunt to third that went for a single, but the third baseman threw away, sending Madonna to third. Duarte hit the next pitch for an opposite-field double to right field, scoring Madonna and DeCriscio and a 4-2 Storm lead. Right-handed reliever Carson Swilling pitched the final two innings for his first professional save. That came after right-handed starter Tyler Schmitt allowed just two hits in a season-high five scoreless innings, walking one and striking out six. It was by far the best performance of his brief pro career. Schmitt was the Padres' 17th-round draft choice out of Illinois last year, but made his pro debut this season. Schmitt entered the game with a 9.75 ERA in four games, three starts, covering 12 innings. Ryan Wideman had a two-out triple, his third of the season, in the top of the third, which scored George Bilecki, who had drawn a leadoff walk. Duarte had a sacrifice fly in the sixth to put the Storm up 2-0. He also walked and reached on catcher's interference. Ontario scored twice in the bottom of the sixth. LE_0502.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Ryan Wideman, CF 5 0 1 1 0 1 Bradley Frye, 3B 4 1 0 0 1 3 Truitt Madonna, DH 3 1 0 0 2 2 Justin DeCriscio, 2B 4 1 1 0 0 1 Victor Duarte, C 1 0 1 3 1 0 Jose Verdugo, SS 2 0 0 0 2 2 George Bilecki, RF 1 1 0 0 2 1 Yoiber Ocopio, 1B 3 0 0 0 1 2 Conner Westenburg, LF 3 0 0 0 0 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Tyler Schmitt 5 2 0 0 1 6 0 Brandon Langley 2 1 2 2 2 2 0 Carson Swilling 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 Top-20 Prospect Performance Kash Mayfield: DNP Ethan Salas: 1-for-4, HR, RBI, BB, 2 K Kruz Schoolcraft: DNP Bradgley Rodriguez: DNP Humberto Cruz: DNP Miguel Mendez: DNP Ty Harvey: DNP Jorge Quintana: DNP Kale Fountain: DNP Ryan Wideman: 1-for-5, 3B, RBI, K Jagger Haynes: DNP Lamar King Jr.: 4-for-5, R Romeo Sanabria: DNP Truitt Madonna: 0-for-3, R, 2 BB, 2 K Michael Salina: DNP Garrett Hawkins: DNP Kavares Tears: 1-for-3, 2B, R, 2 BB, K Deivid Coronil: DNP Francis Pena: DNP Bryan Balzer: DNP View full article

The San Diego Padres are closer to no longer being under the control of the Seidler family, which announced an agreement Saturday to sell the MLB franchise to Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones. The deal is subject to MLB approval. The announcement comes 16 days after initial reports of the sale first surfaced. The sale price is expected to be $3.9 billion, which smashes the previous record for an MLB franchise of $2.42 billion, the amount Steve Cohen paid in 2020 for the New York Mets. “I’m thrilled that after a highly competitive process, Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano will become the next majority owners of the Padres,” Padres chairman John Seidler said in a released statement. “When I became control person, my goal was to continue building on our recent success in pursuit of a World Series Championship for the city of San Diego and our faithful fans. Now, as I pass the baton to Kwanza and José, I do so with full confidence that they share that vision, as well as the Padres deep commitment to San Diego. It’s what the team, our fans, and the community deserve. “Our family loves this team. This is a bittersweet moment for us as we reflect on what the Padres have accomplished since my brother Peter became the steward of the franchise. I congratulate Kwanza, José, and the Padres, and wish them nothing but success. We look forward to a smooth transition.” Feliciano and Jones issued a joint statement: “The Padres are more than a baseball team; they are a unifying force in San Diego, rooted in community, connection, and belonging. As life and business partners, and as a family, we are honored to lead this next chapter together. “We have worked hard for everything we have achieved, and we have built it together. We see that same spirit in this team and its fans, and we know what it takes to win. “We are committed to showing up, listening, and earning the trust of this community, while building on the strong foundation established by the Seidler family. “This is about more than baseball — it’s about boosting the pride, energy, and connection that define the Padres, investing in community, deepening belonging, and ensuring this team remains accessible and endures for generations. We are all in — with the goal of bringing a World Series championship to San Diego.” Forbes recently valued the Padres at $3.1 billion, a 39% increase from the same time last year. The Padres were sold to a group led by Peter Seidler and Ron Fowler in 2012 for $800 million. That included $200 million in debt that previous owner John Moores had accrued in a recent local-TV deal. The trust of the late Peter Seidler held a 24% share of the Padres and other members of the family held a combined 25% share, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. John Seidler, one of Peter's brothers, became the control person early in 2025. Peter Seidler died in November 2024. He had survived two battles with non-Hodgkins lymphoma and had just had a procedure that September. Feliciano, who is expected to be the control person, and Jones are expected to purchase up to 40% of the team, which a group of other investors. Those minority investors are reportedly to include Alfredo Harp Helu, who had a 20% share of the team under the Seidler family. Other reported partners include the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and another group involving former San Diego Chargers quarterback Drew Breese and Vuori founder Joe Kudla. Sycuan, which operates a casino in San Diego, must undergo further scrutiny if it owns a certain percentage of the team. The 53-year-old Feliciano has an estimated net worth of $3.9 million, according to Forbes. Born in Bayaman, Puerto Rico, the 53-year-old Feliciano attended Princeton and earned his masters of business administration at Stanford. Clearlake, with headquarters in Santa Monica, was founded in 2006 by Feliciano and Behdad Eghbali. The company is the 12th-largest private-equity firm in the world, having managed more than $45 billion in capital, as of June. In 2022, Feliciano and Clearlake were part of the group that purchased the men’s soccer team Chelsea of the English Premier League. The next step in the sale is for Feliciano and Jones to be vetted by MLB, then go up for a vote of the other 29 owners. The new group must be approved by 75% of the owners (23 votes). For ceremonious reasons, that vote is traditionally unanimous. That vote could take place soon. The next owners meeting is scheduled for June. View full article

Ethan Salas homered for the fourth time in eight days in the San Antonio Missions' 7-2 loss at Tulsa, while Jack Costello drove in four runs and homered in the Fort Wayne TinCaps' 6-2 win at South Bend. The Lake Elsinore Storm rode a five-run seventh inning to a 10-7 win at Ontario, where Justin DeCriscio doubled three times, and Pablo Reyes homered in El Paso's 26-8 loss at Albuquerque. Padres Minor-League Transactions San Diego Padres sent 3B Will Wagner on a rehab assignment to El Paso Chihuahuas. El Paso Chihuahuas transferred RHP Justin Yeager to the Development List. Chihuahuas Blasted By Isotopes All seven pitchers for the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas gave up runs as the host Albuquerque Isotopes had two seven-run innings en route to a 26-8 throttling. The Isotopes scored four in the second inning, seven in the third, seven in the fifth, two in the sixth, two in the seventh and four in the eighth. Eight of the nine Isotopes hitters had multiple hits and all nine drove in at least one run and scored at least one run. Missions pitchers surrendered 23 hits and issued 13 walks. The only pitcher who didn't allow a walk was second baseman Nate Mondou, who came on to pitch the ninth. Left-handed starter Marco Gonzales allowed four runs in two innings, right-hander Triston McKenzie gave up six without recording an out, left-hander Miguel Cienfuegos one run in two innings, right-hander Garrett Hawkins six runs in two-thirds of an inning, right-hander Ethan Routzahn three runs in 1⅓ and right-hander Eli Villalobos two runs in one inning. Mondou gave up four runs in the eighth. Offensively for the Missions, Carlos Rodriguez and Nick Solak each had three-hit games, while Pablo Reyes drove in three, including a two-run homer in the ninth, Jose Miranda had a two-run double in the seventh to pull the Missions within 20-5 and Marcos Castanon also drove in a pair. EP_0501.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Carlos Rodríguez (CF) 6 0 3 0 0 0 Will Wagner (2B) 2 1 1 0 1 1 Clay Dungan (2B) 1 0 0 0 0 0 Samad Taylor (RF) 5 1 2 0 0 1 Nick Solak (LF) 5 2 3 0 0 0 Pablo Reyes (3B) 5 1 2 3 0 0 Jose Miranda (1B) 3 1 1 2 1 0 Mason McCoy (SS) 5 2 2 1 0 0 Marcos Castañon (DH) 4 0 2 2 1 0 Rodolfo Durán (C) 4 0 0 0 1 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Marco Gonzales (L, 1-2) 2 5 4 4 2 1 0 Triston McKenzie 0 2 6 6 4 0 0 Miguel Cienfuegos 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 Garrett Hawkins 2/3 4 6 6 2 0 1 Ethan Routzahn 1 1/3 3 3 3 3 2 1 Eli Villalobos 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 Nate Mondou 1 6 4 4 0 0 0 Ethan Salas Homers Again, Jagger Haynes K's 8, But Missions Fall The Ethan Salas power show continued and Jagger Haynes struck out a season-high eight, but the Double-A San Antonio Missions dropped a 7-2 decision to the host Tulsa Drillers, who scored four times in the seventh inning. Salas, Albert Fabian and Braedon Karpathios each had two hits for the Missions. The 19-year-old Salas, Padres Mission's No. 1 prospect, hadn't homered until he went deep a week ago Friday. That was the first of three consecutive games he played in which he homered. After two more homerless games, one as a pinch-hitter, Salas cranked out his fourth homer of the season when he drilled a homer to lead off the game on an 0-2 pitch. It stayed 1-0 until the Drillers scored twice in the fourth. In the top of the sixth, Leandro Cedeno walked, Fabian singled him to third and Ryan Jackson had an RBI single to right to tie it 2-2. But the Drillers took control in the seventh. Three of the first four batters walked then, after a lineout, a hit by pitch snapped the tie and a bases-clearing double made it 6-2. Two singles and two more walks put the Drillers up 7-2 in the eighth. Haynes, Padres Mission's No. 7 prospect, went a season-high six innings, allowing two runs on three hits with a walk and his season-best eight strikeouts, with his last two being two of the Los Angeles Dodgers' key prospects in Josue De Paula and Zyhir Hope. Haynes had a season-high six strikeouts last week against Amarillo. SA_0501.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Ethan Salas (C) 4 1 2 1 1 0 Romeo Sanabria (1B) 5 0 0 0 0 1 Leandro Cedeño (DH) 3 1 0 0 1 0 Albert Fabian (LF) 4 0 2 0 0 0 Ryan Jackson (SS) 4 0 1 1 0 1 Braedon Karpathios (RF) 3 0 2 0 1 0 Luis Verdugo (3B) 4 0 0 0 0 2 Carson Tucker (2B) 4 0 1 0 0 0 Kai Murphy (CF) 4 0 0 0 0 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Jagger Haynes 6 3 2 2 1 8 0 Andrew Dalquist (L, 0-2) 2/3 0 4 4 3 0 0 Andrew Thurman 1 1/3 3 1 1 2 1 0 Jack Costello Homers, Drives In 4 Late To Lift TinCaps Former University of San Diego star Jack Costello drove in four runs, including a tiebreaking two-run single in the seventh inning, and a homer as the High-A Fort Wayne TinCaps topped the host South Bend Cubs 6-2. The TinCaps trailed 2-0 after the Cubs scored twice in the second inning, and trimmed it to 2-1 in the fourth. Carlos Rodriguez walked and Zach Evans singled him to third. Dylan Grego bounced into a double play that scored Rodriguez. In the seventh, there were two outs when Lamar King Jr. walked and stole second and Alex McCoy, who singled earlier and has reached base in 20 straight games, walked. A wild pitch advanced the runners to second and third and Jake Cunningham was hit by a pitch to load the bases. A wild pitch tied the game and Costello hit a line-drive single to center to put the TinCaps up 4-2. That hit extended his hitting streak to seven games. Costello, a 10th-round draft choice in 2023 whose career high of five RBIs came in his fourth professional game with the Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm that same year, put a nail in this one in the ninth. With two outs, Cunningham singled and Costello hit his third homer of the season for a 6-2 lead. His four RBIs are the most he has had in 131 games with Fort Wayne. Left-hander Kash Mayfield, Padres Mission's No. 2 prospect, started and went 3⅔ innings, giving up two runs on three hits with five walks and four strikeouts. The bullpen did a terrific job, getting out of three jams and leaving the Cubs 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position. Right-hander Tucker Musgrove had the bases loaded in the seventh when he struck out a pair and got a groundout. Clay Edmondon picked up his Midwest League-best fourth save by coming on in the eighth and striking out all four batters he faced. FW_0501.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Kasen Wells (CF) 5 0 0 0 0 1 Rosman Verdugo (2B) 5 0 1 0 0 1 Lamar King Jr. (DH) 3 1 0 0 2 0 Alex McCoy (LF) 3 1 1 0 2 0 Jake Cunningham (RF) 2 2 1 0 2 0 Jack Costello (1B) 4 1 2 4 1 1 Carlos Rodriguez (C) 4 1 0 0 1 2 Zach Evans (3B) 4 0 2 0 0 0 Dylan Grego (SS) 3 0 0 0 1 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Kash Mayfield 3 2/3 3 2 2 5 4 0 C.J. Widger 1 1/3 0 0 0 1 0 0 Luis Germán (W, 1-0) 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 Tucker Musgrove (H, 2) 1 2/3 1 0 0 1 3 0 Clay Edmondson (S, 4) 1 1/3 0 0 0 0 4 0 Trio Helps Storm Make Late Push To Get Past Tower Buzzers Justin DeCriscio doubled three times, while Victor Duarte and Luke Cantell each had three hits and drove in three runs as the Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm scored five times in the seventh inning to pull out a 10-7 victory over the host Ontario Tower Buzzers. Truitt Madonna walked twice and scored twice and Qrey Lott also scored two runs for the Storm. Lake Elsinore trailed 4-1 after three innings and it was still that score entering the sixth. Lott had a leadoff single and DeCriscio hit his second double of the game to put Lott on third. One out later, Duarte looped a two-run single to left to make it 4-3. The Storm took control in the seventh. Kerrington Cross drew a one-out walk and Lott and Ryan Wideman were hit by pitches to load the bases. DeCriscio hit a sacrifice fly to center to tie the game. Lott and Wideman pulled a double steal to put them on third and second, then a balk brought in Lott with the go-ahead run. Madonna walked and Duarte pulled a double down the third-base line, scoring Wideman. Another balk brought in Madonna to make it 7-4. Cantwell then singled home Duarte to cap the five-run outburst for an 8-4 advantage. In the ninth, the Storm added two more runs on DeCriscio's third double of the game, a Madonna walk, Duarte's bunt single to load the bases and Cantwell's two-run single to right. The Tower Buzzers scored twice in the bottom of the ninth. Storm left-handed starter Kruz Schoolcraft, Padres Mission's No. 3 prospect, allowed four runs on four hits with three walks and five strikeouts in 3⅓ innings. Right-hander Daichi Moriki and left-hander Javier Chacon combined for 3⅔ shutout innings. Right-hander Will Koger picked up his first save of the season despite allowing the two ninth-inning runs, pitching the final 1⅓ innings. LE_0501.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Ryan Wideman (CF) 4 1 1 0 0 1 Justin DeCriscio (LF) 4 2 3 1 0 0 Truitt Madonna (C) 3 2 0 0 2 2 Victor Duarte (1B) 5 1 3 3 0 1 Luke Cantwell (DH) 4 0 3 3 1 1 Jorge Quintana (SS) 5 0 0 0 0 1 Jose Verdugo (2B) 4 1 0 0 1 1 Kerrington Cross (3B) 3 1 1 0 1 1 Qrey Lott (RF) 3 2 1 0 0 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Kruz Schoolcraft 3 1/3 4 4 3 3 5 1 Daichi Moriki 1 2/3 1 0 0 2 2 0 Javier Chacon (W, 4-0) 2 2 0 0 3 3 0 Sean Barnett 2/3 1 1 1 3 1 0 Will Koger (S, 1) 1 1/3 2 2 2 1 4 0 Top-20 Prospect Performance Kash Mayfield: 3⅔ IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 4 K Ethan Salas: 2-for-4, 2B, HR, RBI, BB Kruz Schoolcraft: 3⅓ IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, HR Bradgley Rodriguez: DNP Humberto Cruz: DNP Miguel Mendez: DNP Ty Harvey: DNP Jorge Quintana: 0-for-5, K Kale Fountain: DNP Ryan Wideman: 1-for-4, R, K, SB Jagger Haynes: 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K Lamar King Jr.: 0-for-3, R, 2 BB, 2 SB Romeo Sanabria: 0-for-5, K Truitt Madonna: 0-for-3, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K Michael Salina: DNP Garrett Hawkins: ⅔ IP, 4 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, HR Kavares Tears: DNP Deivid Coronil: DNP Francis Pena: DNP Bryan Balzer: DNP View full article

There have been several offensive surprises in the first month of this season for the San Diego Padres. Catcher Luis Campusano has a team-leading 1.054 OPS, shortstop Xander Bogaerts is showing why he is being paid $280 million, superstar right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. has yet to hit a home run and Jake Cronenworth has one of the worst OPS in MLB among qualified players. Then there is Ty France. The former San Diego State star, born in the Los Angeles suburb of Downey and a West Covina High School alum, had to settle for signing a minor-league contract as spring training began with the team that drafted him in the 34th round in 2015. This came after he won the 2025 AL Gold Glove for first basemen and was part of the World Series runner-up Toronto Blue Jays after a trade from the Minnesota Twins. But France has made the most out of his second chance with the Padres. As a non-roster invite to spring training, he didn't have a major-league job guaranteed. But he showed a worthy bat, putting together a .306/.352/.510 slash line with two homers and 12 RBIs in 19 Cactus League games. That performance allowed France to take advantage of infielder Sung-Mun Song's oblique injury and snag the final bench spot. Still, he seemed third on the depth chart at first base behind left-handed-hitting Gavin Sheets and right-handed-hitting Nick Castellanos, who had never played first base before as an MLB player but was up for anything after being released by the Philadelphia Phillies. It was France's defense that would get him any playing time. If he could produce offensively, that would be a bonus. He even tried his hand at second and third base in spring training to make himself more valuable. The knock on France was that he doesn't produce the offense expected out of a first baseman. It is typically a power position, but France came into 2026 with a grand total of 81 homers in seven seasons, with a peak of 20 in 2022 with the Seattle Mariners, meaning that he averaged about 10 homers a year otherwise. His career slash line entering this year was .262/.334/.400, which made him a slightly above-average hitter with a 108 OPS+. He doesn't walk much, nor does he strike out a ton. This year has been different, though. The 31-year-old, whether he just relaxed and let his play do the talking or became more focused knowing his playing days could be coming to an end, has thrived with the Padres. In fact, France might be the most indispensable player they have had in the opening month. Entering this weekend's series against the Chicago White Sox, France is second to Campusano in OPS with .911, including a slash line of .289/.333/.578. His OPS+ is at a career high of 148. He already has three homers after hitting seven a year ago. In particular, France has been very integral to the offense in the last week. He had three straight multi-hit games entering Wednesday, going 6-for-11 with a walk and seven RBIs. Four of those RBIs came in Monday's series-opening 9-7 victory over the Chicago Cubs, with a two-run double and a two-run triple plus a stolen base. It was his first triple since 2022. That came two days after hitting two solo homers in Mexico City in a 6-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, just his third career multi-homer game, so France is one of the few Friars in a good groove offensively. He has been valuable when in the starting lineup. Entering Wednesday, he had a slash line of .325/.372/.650 in 12 starts (1.022 OPS), hitting safely in seven of his previous nine starts. That production has proven valuable for a Padres offense that is still waiting on its main cogs, Tatis, Cronenworth and superstar third baseman Manny Machado, to get going. The Padres' .693 team OPS ranked 22nd in MLB after Wednesday's action, a far cry from what they were hoping for entering the season. Still, they rank in the top half in runs per game (13th, 4.63) thanks to the contributions of players like France. While still not having enough plate appearances to officially rate in Statcast categories, you can see that his numbers this year are much better than last year. In particular, his average exit velocity this year is at 92.9 mph, up from 89.5; likewise, his hard-hit percentage is at 56.1%, up from 44.2%. His barrel rate has also increased from 7.7% last year to 17.1% this year. France has been a nice right-handed complement to Sheets at first base, with Castellanos now the bench player in the most vulnerable position on the roster. Castellanos started in left field Wednesday and hit his first homer of the season, which might signal he is finally adjusting to his bench role after being a career starter. Only two of those starts have been at first due to France's presence—Castellanos has mainly been a designated hitter when he has started. When Song, currently at Triple-A El Paso, was brought up as the extra player for the Mexico City Series, there was chatter that Castellanos' time with the Padres could be coming to an end. Song would bring more versatility to the bench as he can play third, second and shortstop. Castellanos, though, had a couple big hits in the Cubs series. But that has been the trickle down from France's good spring and continued contributions through the first month of the regular season. If France can keep this up for the remainder of the season, he'll effectively supply the Friars with what they were hoping to get out of Castellanos, only with better defense. Once Tatis, Machado and Cronenworth get going, France's production may not be as noticeable, but it will make this offense that much better. View full article

Jeremiah Estrada's stay on the injured list wasn't very long. The right-handed reliever was activated from the 15-day injured list Friday by the San Diego Padres, who formally announced right-handed reliever David Morgan being optioned to Triple-A El Paso, which happened Thursday. Estrada, a vital piece of the Friars' bullpen, had been on the IL since April 10 with tendinitis in his right elbow. He made just two rehab appearances, one last Friday for Low-A Lake Elsinore and another Tuesday for El Paso. Estrada pitched one inning in each appearance and didn't allow a hit or a run, walking one and striking out two combined. Estrada's velocity, which in part led to his IL placement, was back to its regular upper 90s after being about 5 mph slower before going on the IL. Activating Estrada still leaves left-hander Yuki Matsui on the verge of returning from his strained left groin. Matsui's rehab assignment started April 4, meaning it runs through this weekend before expiring. View full rumor

After the season he put together in 2025, David Morgan was hoping he had seen the last of El Paso. Unfortunately, he is headed back there after the first month of the 2026 season. The San Diego Padres optioned the right-handed reliever to the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas on Thursday following a rough start to the season. The Padres will need to make a corresponding move before Friday's series opener against the Chicago White Sox. That is likely to be activating left-handed reliever Yuki Matsui off the 15-day injured list, with another possibility being activating right-handed reliever Jeremiah Estrada. Morgan was a surprise in the Padres' bullpen in 2025, appearing in 41 games with a 3.71 FIP (2.66 ERA) in 47⅓ innings following his first call-up to MLB. He had been an undrafted free agent who signed with the Padres in 2022 after finishing his career at Hope International University in Fullerton. But this year was a different story. In 11 appearances over 13⅓ innings, Morgan had a 5.74 FIP (6.30 ERA), including 11 walks and 15 strikeouts. His 11 walks are nearly half of what he issued last year (23). His latest outing came in Tuesday's 8-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs in which he allowed a run on a hit and a walk with one strikeout in two-thirds of an inning. He came on with runners on first and second with one out in a 2-2 game in the top of the sixth and threw a wild pitch and gave up a go-ahead two-out two-run double to Nico Hoerner. Matsui went on the IL on March 25 with a strained groin and began a rehab assignment April 4. That assignment is due to end this weekend. He has allowed six runs on 10 hits with two walks and 13 strikeouts in 10⅔ innings for a 5.06 ERA at El Paso. He pitched multiple innings for the first time Sunday and followed that up with a one-inning appearance Wednesday. Estrada had made only two appearances, one at Low-A Lake Elsinore on Friday and the other with El Paso on Tuesday, as he recovers from right elbow tendinitis. He went on the IL on April 10. View full rumor

Kale Fountain's season is over less than a month after it began. Fountain, the San Diego Padres' fifth-round draft choice in 2024, was scheduled to undergo season-ending surgery Tuesday after a left shoulder subluxation, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. The 20-year-old Fountain, Padres Mission's No. 10 prospect, was playing right field last week Tuesday for the Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm when he collided with a wall. He went on the seven-day injured list last week and was transferred to the 60-day IL Monday. It is the second major surgery for Fountain. He had Tommy John surgery after the 2024 season after not appearing in any games following the draft. He was drafted as a corner infielder after setting the Nebraska high school career home run record. Fountain played in 65 games in 2025, but only 37 of those in the field as he recovered from Tommy John surgery. The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder played first base in all of those games with four appearances at third base during those 37 games. This season, he was exclusively a right fielder in the 13 games he played in. Offensively, Fountain was off to a slow start with a .182/.286/.327 slash line, hitting a pair of homers with seven RBIs and four steals in seven attempts. Last year, he had a .226/.346/.309 slash line with three homers, 34 RBIs and 21 steals in 22 attempts. View full rumor

These last two weeks have been revealed more about various players in San Diego Padres' system, as many have started to carve out their season-long identity. There are a handful of players who are building on expectations, more than we can fit into Padres Mission's standouts and disappoints. Still, let's check in with the recent movers and how the Padres on rehab assignments are doing. Padres Rehab Report RHP Lucas Giolito While technically not a rehab assignment (Giolito was optioned to the Low-A Lake Elsinore after signing), it is a buildup of his arm to return to the majors. Giolito's first start Saturday looked every bit of a spring training debut. He threw 63 pitches (40 strikes) and allowed just two hits, both doubles, while striking out four and walking three. Giolito's command was definitely shaky, but it was in a low-stakes environment. One thing to worry about was Giolito appeared to injure his right hand when he attempted to snag a line-drive comebacker at head level. It was a glancing blow that didn't seem to bother him that much initially. The manager was already on his way out to the mound to remove Giolito from the game and didn't appear to ask the pitcher about his hand. RHP Griffin Canning (ruptured left Achilles) Canning made his third and fourth starts since his 30-day rehab assignment began April 4, all with Triple-A El Paso. The progress feels a little slow, as he threw 67 pitches in 2⅔ innings April 16, then 45 in 1⅔ innings Wednesday. On April 16, Canning allowed one hit but walked four, allowing six runs, only two of which were earned, while striking out six. On Wednesday, the right-hander was lifted after throwing 31 pitches in the second inning, allowing a pair of runs on three hits and two walks with no strikeouts. Canning figures to have at least one if not two more outings before the Padres have to make a decision on his status, whether to recall him from his rehab assignment for further medical evaluation or to activate him to the 26-man roster. LHP Yuki Matsui (strained left groin) Matsui has made six appearances over the last two weeks after only three in the first 15 games for El Paso. Four of those six were one-inning outings, with his latest one going two scoreless innings Sunday. He allowed a total of nine hits and three runs, including two homers, with one walk and nine strikeouts. His rehab assignment also began April 4, but his return would seem to be more imminent than Canning's. His two innings Sunday could point to going back-to-back as the last thing to check off before rejoining the Padres. RHP Jeremiah Estrada (right elbow tendinitis) Estrada made his first rehab appearance Friday for Low-A Lake Elsinore, pitching a perfect seventh inning, striking out one. He also got a fly out and a popup, throwing 10 of his 14 pitches for strikes. He went on the 15-day injured list April 10, and this appearance was a good sign for a relatively quick return to the Padres, as long as he doesn't suffer any setbacks. Padres Farm System Standouts IF-OF Pablo Reyes (Triple-A El Paso) The versatile Reyes has been a significant offensive contributor thus far for the Chihuahuas. Reyes has reached base in all 18 games he has played and leads the team with a .438 on-base percentage. He was given the day off on Sunday, but has a six-game hitting streak during which he is hitting .360 (9-for-25) with two doubles and four RBIs. Reyes has five multi-hit games this season to go along with six steals. C Ethan Salas (Double-A San Antonio) Salas also got a well-deserved day off Sunday, but he too has been red-hot of late. Padres Mission's No. 1 prospect not only hit his first two homers of the season in games Friday and Saturday, but he is on an 14-for-37 run with two doubles and eight RBIs with six walks and eight strikeouts. That has raised his early-season average from .125 to .296. Salas has been hitting mainly out of the leadoff spot, scoring seven runs and going 3-for-3 on steal attempts. MINORS_SALAS_0426.mp4 OF Alex McCoy (High-A Fort Wayne) The 6-foot-5, 240-pound McCoy has been the hottest hitter in the Padres' system. Before going 0-for-3 Saturday, McCoy had a 15-game hitting streak in which he put up a slash line of .356/.361/.678 with a 1.039 OPS. He had seven doubles, four homers and nine RBIs during the streak, which was the longest in TinCaps history since a 15-gamer by Fernando Tatis Jr. in 2017. All four of McCoy's homers this season came during his hitting streak, which began after a 1-for-8 start to the season. He had six multi-hit games during the run. MINORS_MCCOY_0426.mp4 Padres Farm System Disappointments LHP JP Sears (Triple-A El Paso) The other player the Padres acquired in the Mason Miller trade, Sears had a rough spring (10 runs in 10⅔ innings) as he made a bid to be part of the Friars' rotation or at least the long man out of the bullpen, thus being optioned to Triple-A. He has followed that with a poor beginning to the regular season. That includes allowing 11 runs over his last two starts, giving up 11 hits (three homers) with six walks and five strikeouts in 9⅓ innings. He gave up seven runs on eight hits and five walks in 3⅓ innings on April 17. Sears' struggles are part of the reason the Padres were concerned about their rotation depth, hence why they went out and got Lucas Giolito. In five starts, Sears has a 7.15 ERA in 22⅔ innings. LHP Omar Cruz (Double-A San Antonio) After making his MLB debut with two relief appearances in 2025, Cruz started this season at Triple-A El Paso. All six of his appearances there were in relief and he went just four innings, compiling an 18.00 ERA, giving up eight runs on nine hits (two homers) with six walks and six strikeouts. On Saturday, he was demoted to Double-A San Antonio. He made his Missions debut Sunday, striking out three in two scoreless innings. LHP Kruz Schoolcraft (Low-A Lake Elsinore) Let's be clear: This is Schoolcraft's first true professional season after getting a token start at Lake Elsinore following his selection as the 25th overall pick in last summer's draft out of an Oregon high school. So why pick on him here? Facts are facts and Schoolcraft will use his experience in these four starts to make himself better. He pitched a career-high three innings in each of his last two outings, going 57 pitches April 17 and 51 on Friday. Combined, he gave up 11 hits and six runs (four earned) with two walks and three strikes in each of those games. Those starts came after two in which he allowed 10 runs in 1⅓ innings, with six hits and six walks against one strikeout. His season ERA sits at 15.95. View full article

San Diego Padres Weekly Snapshot Record last week: 3-2 Runs scored last week: 27 Runs allowed last week: 32 Random Stats Eight of Randy Vasquez's 51 starts as a Padre have come against the Rockies. He hasn't made more than four against any other team. Since their expansion season of 1969, the Friars have 115 1-0 victories, which ranks third in MLB during that span. Only the Los Angeles Dodgers (143) and New York Mets (120) have more. The Padres have outscored their opponents 25-1 in the ninth inning this season. Their 25 runs in the ninth lead MLB. After Thursday's rally, the Padres were the only team in MLB this season to come back from three runs down in the ninth inning or later and won. They have done so twice this year. Saturday was the fifth time already this season the Friars have come back from a four-run deficit at any point of the game to win, two more than any other team. The Padres had a grand total of two last year. The Padres are 18-9 for the third-best record in MLB and half a game behind the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers (19-9). Atlanta leads MLB at 20-9. Transactions Wednesday: Signed free-agent RHP Lucas Giolito and assigned him to Low-A Lake Elsinore. Wednesday: Transferred RHP Bryan Hoeing (torn right flexor tendon) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list. Friday: Sent RHP Jeremiah Estrada on a rehab assignment to Lake Elsinore. Saturday: Recalled 3B Sung-Mun Song from El Paso as extra player for Mexico City Series. Website Highlights Giolito is the best answer the Padres could have come up with — Randy Holt Padres are winning in spite of their offense — Randy Holt How the Seidler family revamped the Padres — Andy Johnson How the 2026 Padres stack up in a deep NL — Brendan Dentino Looking Ahead Monday: Cubs (Matthew Boyd) at Padres (Randy Vasquez), 6:40 p.m. Tuesday: Cubs at (Edward Cabrera) Padres (Walker Buehler), 6:40 p.m. Wednesday: Cubs at (Jameson Taillon) Padres (Matt Waldron), 1:10 p.m. Thursday: Off Friday: White Sox (Noah Schultz) at Padres (German Marquez), 6:40 p.m. Saturday: White Sox (Sean Burke) at Padres (Michael King), 5:40 p.m. Sunday: White Sox (Anthony Kay) at Padres (Randy Vasquez), 1:10 p.m. View full article