Steve Drumwright

Wednesday saw the San Diego Padres' four full-season affiliates go 1-2 with a postponement. The Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas pulled out a 5-2 win over Salt Lake, the Double-A San Antonio Missions suffered a 7-3 walk-off loss to Frisco, the High-A Fort Wayne TinCaps were postponed due to a power outage and the Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm were stopped by Inland Empire 3-1. Padres Minor-League Transactions San Diego Padres activated RHP David Morgan from the 15-day injured list and optioned him to El Paso Chihuahuas. Mason McCoy's HR In Seventh Sends Chihuahuas Past Bees Mason McCoy went 2-for-3 with a tiebreaking solo home run in the seventh inning and left-handed starter Jagger Haynes didn't allow an earned run over five innings as the host Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas beat the Salt Lake Bees 5-2. Haynes did allow two runs in the third inning, but they were unearned due to a fielding error by first baseman Blake Hunt, a throwing error by catcher Ethan Salas, Padres Mission's No. 1 prospect, and a balk. But it was a good outing for Haynes as he gave up four hits and two walks while striking out five. Right-hander Logan Gillaspie went two shutout innings, with right-handers Ty Adcock and Hans Crouse going a shutout inning each. For Crouse, it was his first save since joining the organization Aug. 2 after being released by the Baltimore Orioles and third of the season. Crouse hasn't allowed a run in his four appearances with the Chihuahuas and his last six overall. The Chihuahuas jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning as Rodolfo Duran doubled home Salas, who had walked, with one out, then scored on the back end of a double steal with McCoy, who had singled. It was Duran's second steal of the season. The Bees tied it in the third and it stayed 2-2 until McCoy barely cleared the center-field wall with his ninth homer of the season. The Chihuahuas added two more in the eighth as Clay Dungan doubled, was bunted to second by Bryce Johnson and scored on Carlos Rodriguez's single to left. Rodriguez stole second and Solak notched his 20th double of the season to drive him in. Salas went 1-for-3 with a walk. McCoy also had two steals, giving him a team-high 27, which also is his career high after having 25 in 2023 and 2024. EP_0812.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Bryce Johnson, CF 3 0 0 0 0 1 Carlos Rodríguez, LF 4 1 1 1 0 0 Nick Solak, RF 4 0 1 1 0 0 Dustin Harris, RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 Marcos Castañon, 2B 3 0 0 0 1 1 Ethan Salas, C 3 1 1 0 1 0 Rodolfo Durán, DH 3 1 1 1 0 1 Mason McCoy, SS 3 1 2 1 0 0 Blake Hunt, 1B 3 0 0 0 0 2 Nick Pratto, 1B 0 0 0 0 0 0 Clay Dungan, 3B 3 1 1 0 0 1 Totals 29 5 7 4 2 6 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Jagger Haynes 5 4 2 0 2 5 0 Logan Gillaspie 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 Ty Adcock 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 Hans Crouse 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 Totals 9 7 2 0 3 7 0 Missions Stunned By Walk-Off Grand Slam A nice first seven innings on the mound devolved into a disastrous finish as the Double-A San Antonio Missions gave up two runs in the eighth and then a walk-off grand slam in the ninth as the Frisco RoughRiders rallied for a 7-3 victory. Missions left-handed starter Francisco Sanchez bounced back for a tough return to the mound last week after being hit in the head with a line drive in early June by allowing just a hit in five shutout innings, striking out seven and walking three. Right-hander Tucker Musgrove, Padres Mission's No. 12 prospect, gave up a run in two-thirds of an innning while striking out two, then right-hander Sadrac Franco went 1⅓ scoreless, also fanning two. But right-hander Garrett Hawkins gave up a pair of runs in the eighth to tie it 3-3. MLB veteran right-hander Jose Leclerc came on for the ninth and gave up a single, a forceout grounder, a wild pitch and back-to-back walks to load the bases. Max Wagner then hit a 3-2 pitch out to left-center field for the walk-off slam. The Missions took a 3-0 lead. Carson Tucker had a two-out RBI triple in the third inning, Albert Fabian a sacrifice fly in the fourth and Fabian a run-scoring single in the top of the sixth. SA_0812.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Carson Tucker, SS 4 0 1 1 0 1 Tirso Ornelas, LF 4 0 0 0 0 1 Romeo Sanabria, 1B 4 1 1 0 0 2 Braedon Karpathios, RF 4 0 1 0 0 1 Ryan Jackson, 2B 3 1 1 0 1 0 Albert Fabian, DH 3 0 1 2 0 1 Luis Verdugo, 3B 3 1 1 0 1 2 Kai Roberts, CF 2 0 0 0 0 1 Brendan Durfee, C 3 0 0 0 0 1 Totals 30 3 6 3 2 10 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Fernando Sanchez 5 1 0 0 0 4 0 Tucker Musgrove 2/3 1 1 1 1 2 0 Sadrac Franco 1 1/3 2 0 0 1 2 0 Garrett Hawkins 1 3 2 2 1 0 0 José Leclerc 1/3 2 4 4 2 0 1 Totals 8 1/3 9 7 7 5 8 1 TinCaps-River Bandits Postponed By Power Outage Following a severe storm that hit much of the Midwest led to a power outage in Davenport, Iowa, causing the High-A Fort Wayne TinCaps' game against the Quad Cities River Bandits to be postponed. The game will be made up Saturday as part of a doubleheader. Cameron Nohos Fans 9, But Storm Can't Hang On Against 66ers Right-handed starter Cameron Nohos struck out nine over 5⅔ innings, but the Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm were doomed by a three-run sixth inning as the host Inland Empire 66ers won 3-1. Chris McHugh, the Padres' 11th-round draft choice, followed up a 3-for-4 pro debut Tuesday with a 2-for-4 game, while Jesmaylin Arias also had a pair of hits. The Storm scored its lone run in the third inning. Dawson Willis drew a two-out walk and went to third on Yimy Tovar's single. As Tovar stole second, a throwing error by the catcher allowed Willis to score. Nohos allowed three hits, but walked four in matching his career high of nine punchouts, set in a four-inning outing May 28 in the Arizona Complex League. He has 16 strikeouts in his last two starts and 26 in his last four. Right-hander Rordy Mejia relieved Nohos after a two-out walk. The next batter hit an 0-2 homer that put the 66ers up 2-1. A single and a double made it 3-1. Mejia did strike out three in 2⅓ innings. Player AB R H RBI BB K Nu'u Contrades, 3B 4 0 1 0 0 1 Joe Tiroly, DH 3 0 0 0 1 1 Chris McHugh, 1B 4 0 2 0 0 2 Dawson Willis, CF 3 1 1 0 1 1 Yimy Tovar, 2B 3 0 1 0 1 0 Truitt Madonna, C 4 0 0 0 0 1 Jose Verdugo, SS 4 0 0 0 0 1 Jesmaylin Arias, RF 4 0 2 0 0 1 Qrey Lott, LF 4 0 0 0 0 0 Totals 33 1 7 0 3 8 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Cameron Nohos 5 2/3 3 1 1 4 9 0 Rordy Mejia 2 1/3 4 2 2 0 3 1 Totals 8 7 3 3 4 12 1 Padres Mission's Top 20 Prospect Performance Ethan Salas: 1-for-3, BB, R Ryan Wideman: DNP Coleman Borthwick: In Arizona Kruz Schoolcraft: DNP Ty Harvey: DNP Kale Fountain: Injured, out for season Jorge Quintana: DNP Alex McCoy: DNP Braedon Karpathios: 1-for-4, K Lamar King Jr.: DNP Elliot Lascelles: In Arizona Tucker Musgrove: ⅔ IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K Jagger Haynes: 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 K Jake Cunningham: DNP Truitt Madonna: 0-for-4, K Eric Yost: DNP Winyer Chourio: DNP Jesus Castro: DNP Michael Salina: DNP Rosman Verdugo: DNP View full article

A new week saw the four San Diego Padres affiliates welcome three more draft picks to the fold, with the teams going 2-2. The Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas lost to Salt Lake 4-3 on two ninth-inning runs, the Double-A San Antonio Missions jumped on Frisco for a 7-4 win, the High-A Fort Wayne TinCaps fell late 5-4 and the Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm rallied for an 11-10 win over Inland Empire. Padres Minor-League Transactions El Paso Chihuahuas released RHP Misael Tamarez. C Robbie Lavey assigned to Fort Wayne TinCaps from ACL Padres. SS Dylan Grego assigned to Fort Wayne TinCaps from Lake Elsinore Storm. 2B Joe Tiroly assigned to Lake Elsinore Storm from ACL Padres. 1B Chris McHugh assigned to Lake Elsinore Storm from ACL Padres. Chihuahuas Fall In Ninth; David Morgan Makes Rehab Appearance Leadoff hitter Dustin Harris was on base three times, including two hits, but the host Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas gave up a pair of runs in the top of the ninth in a 4-3 loss to the Salt Lake Bees. Padres right-handed reliever David Morgan (left knee inflammation) moved closer to being activated from the 15-day injured list, making his fourth rehab appearance with the Chihuahuas, facing four batters and allowing a hit in a scoreless inning, striking out two. He threw 16 pitches, nine for strikes. Eight of the nine Chihuahuas starting position players had hits, but they only had nine as a team. In addition to Harris having a walk, an RBI and a stolen base, Ethan Salas (Padres Mission's No. 1 prospect) and recently acquired Gage Workman, in his first Chihuahuas game after being sent down over the weekend, had RBIs. Bryce Johnson tripled and scored for the Chihuahuas. Former Chihuahuas player Pablo Reyes went 3-for-3 with a walk and a run scored for the Bees. After Reyes tripled and scored for the Bees in the second, Mason McCoy singled, stole second (his 25th of the season) and came home on Harris' single in the bottom of the third to tie it. The Bees went up 2-1 in the fourth, with the Chihuahuas again tying it up in the sixth on Johnson's leadoff triple and Workman's sacrifice fly. Workman then singled, stole second, went to third on a groundout and scored following a pitching change on Salas' sacrifice fly, his 13th RBI as he begins his third week at Triple-A. Chihuahuas left-handed starter JP Sears went three innings, only giving up a run on one hit and no walks with five strikeouts. Right-hander Alek Jacob gave up the two ninth-inning runs as Reyes had a leadoff single, then a one-out walk, a single to load the bases, a sacrifice fly, a walk to reload the bases and the third walk of the inning to force in the go-ahead run. EP_0811.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Dustin Harris 4 0 2 1 1 0 Bryce Johnson 5 1 1 0 0 1 Gage Workman 3 1 1 1 1 0 Nick Solak 4 0 1 0 0 0 Carlos Rodríguez 1 0 0 0 0 0 Ethan Salas 4 0 1 1 0 0 Will Wagner 4 0 1 0 0 1 Rodolfo Durán 4 0 1 0 0 3 Nick Pratto 3 0 0 0 1 0 Mason McCoy 3 1 1 0 1 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR JP Sears 3 1 1 1 0 5 0 Andrew Thurman 3 2 1 1 1 3 1 David Morgan 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 Hunter Stratton 1 1 0 0 1 3 0 Alek Jacob 1 2 2 2 3 1 0 Ian Koenig Goes 7 Shutout As Missions' Offense Raps 18 Hits Right-handed starter Ian Koenig tossed seven shutout innings, while Romeo Sanabria and Albert Fabian each had four hits, with Sanabria driving in three and Fabian scoring three times, as the Double-A San Antonio Missions turned back the host Frisco RoughRiders 7-4. The Missions tied their season best with 18 hits, set May 8 vs. Midland. Koenig matched his season high of seven innings, done twice before, giving up five hits and a walk while fanning four. He had a stretch where he retired 12 straight hitters. It took three Missions relievers to finish the job, though, as right-hander Clay Edmondson ran into trouble in the eighth, allowing three runs (one earned) on a hit and two walks, yielding a solo homer. Left-hander Harry Gustin got the final out, allowing a hit, while right-hander Josh Mallitz surrendered a ninth-inning solo homer. Carson Tucker added three hits and scored once, while Tirso Ornelas and Jake Cunningham had two. Sanabria had two doubles among his four hits in his return to Double-A after 21 at Triple-A El Paso. The four hits matched his season high set May 23 vs. Frisco. Fabian's four hits are his season best. Sanabria had a two-run double in the second inning and Luis Verdugo a run-scoring single to make it 3-0. The Missions added single runs in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh to go up 7-0, with Sanabria getting an RBI double in the sixth and Fabian a run-scoring single in the seventh. Cunningham had an RBI single in the fifth. SA_0811.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Carson Tucker 5 1 3 0 0 1 Tirso Ornelas 5 0 2 0 0 0 Jake Cunningham 3 0 2 1 0 0 Kai Roberts 2 0 0 0 0 1 Braedon Karpathios 4 1 1 0 1 2 Ryan Jackson 4 1 1 0 0 1 Albert Fabian 4 3 4 1 1 0 Romeo Sanabria 5 1 4 3 0 0 Luis Verdugo 4 0 1 2 0 2 Anthony Vilar 4 0 0 0 0 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Ian Koenig 7 5 0 0 1 4 0 Clay Edmondson 2/3 1 3 1 2 0 1 Harry Gustin 1/3 1 0 0 0 0 0 Josh Mallitz 1 2 1 1 0 1 1 TinCaps shackled By River Bandits; Ryan Wideman Steals 62nd Three outs away from victory, the High-A Fort Wayne TinCaps weren't able to even get one as the host Quad Cities River Bandits scored three times in the ninth for the 5-4 walk-off victory. The winning run scored on a wild pitch. The TinCaps were held to just three hits, but did draw six walks. Padres fourth-round draft choice Robbie Lavey, a catcher out of George Washington, made his pro debut by going 0-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout while serving as the designated hitter. Alex McCoy, Padres Mission's No. 14 prospect, went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, including his Midwest League-leading 27th double. Luke Cantwell followed McCoy's first-inning double with an RBI single, then McCoy followed a Ryan Wideman (Padres Mission's No. 4 prospect) forceout grounder and 62nd stolen base, the second-most in the minors, with a run-scoring single. After McCoy stole his 20th base of the season and Cantwell and Lavey walked to load the bases, Rosman Verdugo hit a sacrifice fly to make it 3-0. The River Bandits scored two in the fifth and then the three in the ninth. TinCaps left-handed starter Luis Gutierrez, in his third start with Fort Wayne and fifth overall as he comes back from a left shoulder injury, went three shutout innings, allowing just one hit and one walk with four strikeouts. Right-handed Kannon Kemp then gave up two runs over five innings on five hits and three walks while striking out two. Right-hander Will Varmette came in for the save to begin the ninth, but gave up a leadoff homer, a walk, a single and a walk-off wild pitch. FW_0811.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Justin DeCriscio 4 0 0 0 1 2 Ryan Wideman 4 1 0 0 0 1 Alex McCoy 4 2 2 2 0 0 Luke Cantwell 3 0 1 1 1 1 Robbie Lavey 3 0 0 0 1 1 Rosman Verdugo 2 0 0 1 0 1 Carlos Rodriguez 4 0 0 0 0 1 Bradley Frye 2 1 0 0 2 1 Kasen Wells 3 0 0 0 1 2 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Luis Gutierrez 3 1 0 0 1 4 0 Kannon Kemp 5 5 2 2 3 2 0 Will Varmette 0 2 3 1 1 0 1 Joe Tiroly, Chris McHugh Homer In Pro Debuts As Storm Rally Draft picks Joe Tiroly and Chris McHugh homered in their pro debuts, with McHugh's coming in a three-run eighth inning as the Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm erased an 8-2 deficit to notch an 11-10 victory over the host Inland Empire 66ers. Tiroly, the seventh-round draft choice out of Virginia, went 2-for-5 and scored two runs, hitting a solo homer down the left-field line with two outs in the top of the fifth inning off right-hander Will Armbruester to pull the Storm within 9-7. McHugh, an 11th-round pick out of North Carolina State, went 3-for-4 and scored twice, going deep to center off right-hander Jean Munoz with one out in the top of the eighth to tie the game 9-9. Qrey Lott also homered for the Storm as he went 2-for-2 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Nu'u Contrades, a sixth-round selection who made his pro debut last week, went 2-for-4 with a walk, a double, an RBI and a run scored. After going down 9-2 thanks to an eight-run third inning by the 66ers, the Storm scored four runs in the fourth on a two-run double by Truitt Madonna and an RBI single by Contrades that also plated another run thanks to an error by the right fielder. Tiroly's homer in the fifth made it 9-7 and Lott had a sac fly in the sixth to pull the Storm within 9-8. McHugh's one-out homer in the eighth tied it 9-9, Jesmaylin Arias singled and was replaced by pinch-runner Dawson Willis, who stole second and third, then scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch. Lott singled and Contrades doubled, then Alex Conover, the fourth-round compensation pick who joined the Storm last week, had an RBI groundout. Storm right-handed starter Jesus Castro, Padres Mission's No. 16 prospect, lasted just 2⅔ innings, getting tagged for six runs on six hits and a walk while striking out four. Right-hander Brett Langley earned his third save by going the final 1⅓ hitless innings. LE1_0811.mp4 LE2_0811.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Nu'u Contrades 4 1 2 1 1 1 Alex Conover 5 0 0 1 0 0 Ty Harvey 2 0 0 1 2 1 Jorge Quintana 3 1 0 0 1 0 Joe Tiroly 5 2 2 1 0 2 Jose Verdugo 0 0 0 0 0 0 Truitt Madonna 5 1 1 2 0 2 Chris McHugh 4 2 3 1 0 1 Jesmaylin Arias 4 1 1 0 0 1 Dawson Willis 1 1 0 0 0 0 Qrey Lott 3 2 2 2 0 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Jesus A. Castro 2 2/3 6 6 6 1 4 0 Ryan Reed 1 1/3 3 3 3 2 1 1 Florangel Vasquez 3 2/3 2 1 1 0 5 1 Brandon Langley 1 1/3 0 0 0 1 1 0 Padres Mission's Top 20 Prospect Performance Ethan Salas: 1-for-4, RBI Kash Mayfield: Traded Miguel Mendez: Traded Ryan Wideman: 0-for-4, R, K Kruz Schoolcraft: DNP Jorge Quintana: 0-for-3, R, BB Ty Harvey: 0-for-2, RBI, 2 BB, K Kale Fountain: Injured, out for season Tucker Musgrove: DNP Coleman Borthwick: In Arizona Lamar King Jr.: DNP Braedon Karpathios: 1-for-4, R, BB, 2 K Jagger Haynes: DNP Alex McCoy: 2-for-4, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI Truitt Madonna: 1-for-5, 2B, R, 2 RBI, 2 K Jesus Castro: 2⅔ IP, 6 H, 6 R, 6 ER, BB, 4 K Garrett Hawkins: DNP Elliot Lascelles: In Arizona Winyer Chourio: DNP Rosman Verdugo: 0-for-2, RBI, K View full article

The San Diego Padres are likely to be under new ownership next week. MLB is scheduled to vote Monday on the record $3.9 billion purchase of the Padres by Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reported Tuesday. Feliciano and Jones are buying the team from the Seidler family, a process that began in November and was brought about with the death in November 2024 of Peter Seidler. The sale will require the approval of 22 of the 29 other MLB teams. Monday's vote will be by conference call. The $3.9 billion sale price eclipses the previous MLB record of $2.42 billion by Steve Cohen when he bought the New York Mets in 2020. While Feliciano and Jones will run the team together, making Jones one of the more high-profile women in MLB, only one individual can be the control person and that will be Feliciano. They will have between a 40% and 45% share, with a number of minority owners, typical for most every team, with the remainder including members of the Seidler family and some of those who previously held shares. While the sale was reported in April, Feliciano and Jones still had to formalize the minority owners, complete paperwork and pass a screening committee, which happened last week. View full rumor

San Diego Padres Weekly Snapshot Record last week: 4-3 Runs scored last week: 32 Runs allowed last week: 30 (season run differential: minus-10) Game 3: Home runs are fun. So is winning. And when the Padres hit home runs, they, you guessed it, win. The Padres hit four long balls, including one each from Merrill and Tatis (and surprising contributor), and Vasquez picked up where he left off Tuesday to spearhead a two-hit pitching performance in a 7-2 victory over the Astros. The Friars took two of three in the series against the AL West leaders to remain one game behind the D'backs and Phillies in the NL wild-card chase. The power show stood out. Facing right-hander Cristian Javier, the Friars got homers from Merrill (solo shot in the second, his 18th), Tatis (three-run blast in the fourth, his 11th), Sheets (solo shot in the sixth, his 15th) and ... drumroll, please ... Austin Hays, a two-run tater in the eighth after being signed just hours before the game after being released by the Chicago White Sox on Friday. That was part of a 12-hit attack that saw Merrill, Rengifo and Fermin each notch a pair of hits. Tatis' blast, as usual, was the highlight. He rocketed a 2-1 changeup 421 feet into the third level of the Western Metal Supply Building, turning a 2-1 deficit into a 4-2 lead. Sheets' homer was also a welcome sight as that was his first since June 30. Hays joined the team to improve the right-handed bench power that has been missing with Miguel Andujar on the injured list. He pinch-hit for Sheets in the eighth and needed just four pitches to make the move look good. Vasquez, meanwhile, was very efficient and focused in his five innings. He did allow a two-run homer to Varsho, an Astros newcomer, following a Trammell single, but those would be the only hits he and the Padres' bullpen would surrender. Hart (one inning), Rodriguez (two innings) and Estrada (one inning) were perfect over the final four innings, retiring all 12 hitters as the offense's production kept the big bullpen arms from being called upon. Now another first-place team comes to Petco Park, the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers, who bring MLB's best record to San Diego for three games. Marvelous Mason Miller Some of the amazing stats for the Padres' closer: Season stats: 4-1, 0.91 ERA, 47 games, 29 saves (30 chances), 49⅓ IP, 24 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 16 BB, 91 K, .142 opponent average His save Saturday was his career-high 29th, one more than he had in 2024 with the A's in their last year in Oakland. His 29 saves are the most in the NL Has given up just three extra-base hits all season. Random Stats Of the Padres' 16 hits Tuesday, eight came in the first two innings, the first time that happened since May 24, 2015, against the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was also the third game this year with at least 16 hits, all three coming since the All-Star break. Fernando Tatis Jr.'s home run Sunday was the 163rd of his career and third of the week. After moving past Adrian Gonzalez for the third place in Padres history, Tatis is now tied with Nate Tolbert for second place. Manny Machado has the franchise record with 217. Tatis' double Thursday was the fourth time in nine games he led off a game with a two-bagger. The Padres are 15-23 in the first game of a series, including 9-10 at Petco Park. After three more steals Saturday, the Padres rank third in MLB with 119. The Padres have the highest batting average since the All-Star break at .280 and highest on-base percentage at .354. Transactions Monday: Acquired LHP Robbie Ray from San Francisco Giants for RHP Miguel Mendez and SS Joniel Hernandez. Monday: Acquired RHP Casey Mize and 3B Gage Workman from Detroit Tigers for LHP Kash Mayfield and LHP Jackson Wolf. Monday: Acquired RHP Hunter Stratton from Pittsburgh Pirates for RHP Andrew Moore and assigned him to Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas. Tuesday: Optioned LHP JP Sears to Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas. Tuesday: Optioned C Rodolfo Duran to Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas. Tuesday: Sent RHP Joe Musgrove on a rehab assignment to Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm. Tuesday: Sent RHP Nick Pivetta on a rehab assignment to Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm. Tuesday: Signed free-agent RHP J.P. France to a minor-league contract. Wednesday: Toronto Blue Jays claimed RHP Matt Waldron off waivers from San Diego Padres. Wednesday: Designated RHP German Marquez for assignment. Wednesday: Released LF Dustin Harris from Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas. Friday: Signed free-agent LF Dustin Harris to a minor-league contract. Saturday: Released RHP German Marquez. Sunday: Signed free-agent OF Austin Hays. Sunday: Optioned IF Gage Workman to Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas. Sunday: Sent RHP Joe Musgrove on a rehab assignment to El Paso Chihuahuas. Website Highlights Padres' Preller won the trade deadline by being completely normal — Randy Holt Why going all-in at the trade deadline was the right decision for Padres — N.B. Lindberg Ray is walking a tightrope ahead of Padres debut — Yirsandy Rodriguez How Padres' Preller helped Dodgers land Skubal — Steve Drumwright Rehabbing Padres pitchers have quite different first outings — Steve Drumwright Looking Ahead Monday: Brewers (Logan Henderson) at Padres (Casey Mize), 6:40 p.m. Tuesday: Brewers (Kyle Harrison) at Padres (Walker Buehler), 6:40 p.m. Wednesday: Brewers (Dustin May) at Padres (Robbie Ray), 1:10 p.m. Thursday: Off Friday: Padres (Michael King) at Guardians (Gavin Williams), 4:10 p.m. Saturday: Padres (Randy Vasquez) at Guardians (Joey Cantillo), 4:10 p.m. Sunday: Padres (Casey Mize) at Guardians (Tanner Bibee), 10:40 a.m. View full article

Ethan SalasColeman BorthwickRyan WidemanKruz SchoolcraftJorge QuintanaTy HarveyTucker MusgroveKale FountainLamar King JrBraedon KarpathiosJagger HaynesAlex McCoyElliot LascellesWinyer ChourioTruitt MadonnaJesus CastroGarrett HawkinsRyan LynchJake CunninghamMichael Salina

When it came to upgrading the San Diego Padres' roster at the 2026 trade deadline, A.J. Preller did about as well as he could while still being rational. But that doesn't mean there aren't more improvements to be made. Or, more precisely, already in motion. That has to do with players who are currently on the injured list making their way back to the Padres. There has been a lot of chatter about right-handed starters Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta, who made their first rehab outings last Tuesday, and are a few weeks away. But they aren't the only ones who can make an impact for the Friars down the stretch. Let's take a look at that decision and other spots on the roster: Starting Rotation Here is how the Padres' rotation is currently set up: Michael King, Walker Buehler, Robbie Ray, Randy Vasquez and Casey Mize. It could stick that way until one of Musgrove or Pivetta are ready. One other option in the equation will be Lucas Giolito, who has not yet started a rehab assignment and could be slow-played as an emergency rotation option. With Musgrove having thrown 39 pitches in his first rehab outing, going nearly three innings, you might see him need only four total outings before coming back. That would make for a tough decision for the Padres when one of those two do return, much less both. When healthy, those two slot in as the mid-rotation options in the Padres' rotation, if not as the Nos. 1 and 2 guys. That puts Vasquez and Buehler on the bubble. The performance of those two over the coming weeks will determine their fate. Vasquez is easier to put in the bullpen as he has been there already this year. Buehler would be a tougher ask as he has made just two relief appearances, both last year, since the beginning of the 2019 season. As an impending free agent who could be interested in returning next season, that deepens that decision. Buehler's performance hasn't been steady, yet he has provided a presence in the rotation that hasn't always been there this year. Perhaps that, and his postseason track record, gives him the edge. Bullpen In addition to Giolito, who could factor into the bullpen with the rotation as he comes back from right elbow inflammation, two other arms are on the mend. The first one is right-hander David Morgan (left knee inflammation), who is currently on a rehab assignment at Triple-A El Paso, while the other is right-hander Jason Adam (strained right shoulder), who is expected back in September as he has yet to start a throwing program. Adam has the bigger role as the right-handed setup man for closer Mason Miller. Morgan, however, had one rehab outing July 15, then not another until Aug. 2, likely meaning a restart of his rehab assignment. That gives him 30 days before having to be activated. As someone who goes a max of two innings, Morgan probably only needs another few outings with at least one of two innings and likely a back-to-back to finish his assignment. As far as joining the roster, there would be two options. The first would be taking Canning's spot, while the second could be stashing Morgan at Triple-A. The second one could be a better option as long as Canning is doing well in a relief role. By the time Adam is set to return, Canning or Morgan would probably be the odd man out, depending on injuries and performance. Bench While Preller signed outfielder Austin Hays on Sunday and optioned newly acquired Gage Workman to Triple-A El Paso, there are two other players who can strengthen the Padres' bench and/or lineup. Those are utilityman Samad Taylor and designated hitter Miguel Andujar. Both have played big roles on the team this year. Taylor has been sidelined since injuring his oblique on July 7 and is currently taking swings down in Arizona at the team complex, meaning he could be back as soon as this week. He was a surprising boost to the offense after coming up at the beginning of June, slashing .330/.410/.398 with a homer, 11 RBIs and 11 steals. While he can play infield or outfield, Taylor had taken over as the everyday left fielder before the injury. While Luis Rengifo has filled in probably on a same or greater level than Taylor, the two could platoon in left as Taylor is a right-handed hitter and Rengifo a switch-hitter. Who would that bump from the roster? Outfielder Jase Bowen would be up next, especially with Hays now on the roster, as Rengifo and Taylor can both play infield or outfield. Andujar should be back by the end of the month as he comes back from a fractured right wrist. He was no longer in a splint Friday. Andujar is a key right-handed bat who is a doubles machine and has a .259/.303/.423 slash line with five homers and 22 RBIs along with 20 doubles, which led the team at the time of his injury July 19. Andujar's return, barring any other injuries, would force a decision between Hays, Taylor and Rengifo. While difficult, it also means the Padres' roster is in a good spot. Overall The roster as currently constructed is very solid. But getting at least Musgrove back if not Pivetta as well, along with Adam, Taylor and Andujar will make this roster as deep as it has been in quite some time. There would be more versatility with Taylor and Rengifo, allowing for some late-inning defensive substitutions without losing much of anything defensively. Craig Stammen would also avoid having to play Gavin Sheets in the outfield, and that allows for the possibility of Taylor and Rengifo playing corner outfield spots, Fernando Tatis Jr. coming in to play second, and Cronenworth sliding over to first base if generating offense becomes a serious issue again. View full article

The four full-season affiliates of the San Diego Padres went 3-1 as they wrapped up their weekly series Sunday. The Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas toppled Reno 7-4, the Double-A San Antonio Missions beat Springfield by the same 7-4 score, while the High-A Fort Wayne TinCaps fell 8-2 and the Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm walked off Ontario 5-4. Padres Minor-League Transactions San Diego Padres sent RHP Joe Musgrove on a rehab assignment to El Paso Chihuahuas. San Diego Padres optioned 3B Gage Workman to El Paso Chihuahuas. Joe Musgrove Shines, Ethan Salas Homers In Chihuahuas' Win Rehabbing Padres right-handed starter had a good 3⅓ innings in his second outing, while top prospect Ethan Salas hit his second Triple-A homer in the last three games as the El Paso Chihuahuas scored six times in the seventh inning for a 7-4 victory over the host Reno Aces. The Chihuahuas (47-66, 12-26 second half) won the final three games of the six-game series after losing nine straight. Musgrove, who has not pitched for the Padres since Game 2 of the 2024 NL Wild Card Series against Atlanta after having Tommy John surgery and then having a major setback after one outing in spring training, threw 53 pitches, including 42 strikes, with his four-seam fastball sitting at 94-95 mph. He topped out at 95.5 mph in the third inning and hit 94.5 mph in the fourth, his final inning. That is the velocity he held before being hurt. Musgrove gave up a leadoff homer to Kristian Robinson in the first inning, but finished by allowing a total of six hits while not issuing a walk and striking out two. Salas, Padres Mission's No. 1 prospect, followed his first Triple-A homer Friday by smashing a two-run shot Sunday in his ninth game since being promoted from Double-A San Antonio. Salas hit a 1-1 changeup 440 feet to right-center that put the Chihuahuas up 7-3. That was also Salas' ninth homer this season, which matches the total from his debut season of 2023. The homer came during a six-run seventh, with Carlos Rodriguez's third triple of the series, this one with the bases loaded, put the Chihuahuas up 4-3. After a walk, Rodriguez would score on an errant pickoff attempt by the pitcher to make it 5-3, then Salas went deep to cap the inning. Salas is slashing .333/.419/.667 (12-for-36) in nine Triple-A games. Right-hander Jhony Brito followed Musgrove and allowed two runs over 2⅔ innings on three hits. EP1_0809.mp4 EP2_0809.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Dustin Harris, RF 3 1 0 0 2 0 Carlos Rodríguez, CF 5 1 2 3 0 1 Nick Solak, LF 3 1 0 0 2 1 Ethan Salas, C 5 1 2 2 0 1 Marcos Castañon, 2B 5 0 2 0 0 1 Will Wagner, 3B 4 0 1 0 0 2 Mason McCoy, SS 3 1 1 0 1 1 Nick Pratto, 1B 2 1 0 0 2 1 Blake Hunt, DH 3 1 1 1 0 2 Totals 33 7 9 6 7 10 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Joe Musgrove 3 1/3 6 1 1 0 2 1 Jhony Brito (W, 2-1) 2 2/3 3 2 2 0 0 0 Johan Moreno 1/3 0 0 0 2 1 0 Ethan Routzahn (H, 4) 1 2/3 3 1 1 0 2 0 J.P. France (S, 1) 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 Totals 9 13 4 4 3 6 1 Big Sixth Inning Propels Missions To Series Win Carson Tucker and Jake Cunningham each had two-run singles in the sixth inning to put the host Double-A San Antonio Missions on top en route to a 7-4 victory over the Springfield Cardinals. The Missions (49-59, 18-21 second half) won the final three games against the Texas League North Division's first-place team. Brendan Durfee hit a two-run homer and joined Cunningham as having two of the Missions' seven hits. Durfee homered in the second inning to put the Missions up 2-1, with the Cardinals taking the lead with single runs in the third and fourth innings. The Missions tied it on a run-scoring wild pitch in the bottom of the fourth, then the Cardinals went back on top in the sixth before Tucker and Cunningham came through with the decisive hits. Missions right-handed starter Matthew Watson went 4⅓ innings, allowing three runs on eight hits, including a homer, and no walks with two strikeouts. Left-hander Igor Gil allowed a run while hitting a batter in one inning with two strikeouts, while right-handers Francis Pena (one inning), Bernard Jose (1⅔ innings) and Tucker Musgrove (one inning) didn't allow a run in 3⅔ innings. Musgrove, Padres Mission's No. 9 prospect, earned his first Double-A save and the third of his career. SA_0809.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Carson Tucker, SS 5 1 1 2 0 2 Tirso Ornelas, DH 4 0 0 0 1 2 Jake Cunningham, LF 3 0 2 2 1 1 Braedon Karpathios, RF 3 0 0 0 1 2 Ryan Jackson, 2B 4 1 0 0 0 2 Albert Fabian, 1B 3 2 1 0 1 1 Luis Verdugo, 3B 3 1 0 0 1 1 Kai Roberts, CF 3 1 1 0 1 1 Brendan Durfee, C 4 1 2 2 0 2 Totals 32 7 7 6 6 14 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Matthew Watson 4 1/3 8 3 3 0 2 1 Igor Gil 1 0 1 1 0 2 0 Francis Peña (W, 2-3) 1 2 0 0 2 0 0 Bernard Jose (H, 2) 1 2/3 0 0 0 0 1 0 Tucker Musgrove (S, 1) 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 Totals 9 10 4 4 3 6 1 TinCaps Silenced As Whitecaps Win With Early Push The host High-A Fort Wayne TinCaps managed just four singles for the game while giving up six runs over the first four innings in an 8-2 loss to the West Michigan Whitecaps. The TinCaps (46-60, 19-21 second half) went 1-5 in the six-game series. Kerrington Cross had two hits and an RBI, while Alex McCoy, Padres Mission's No. 14 prospect, singled and scored twice for the TinCaps. TinCaps right-handed starter Abraham Parra gave up those six early runs (five earned) in three-plus innings, allowing five hits and four walks while striking out one. Right-hander Will Koger and left-hander Braian Salazar combined for five shutout innings, each allowing a hit, before right-hander Carlos Medina gave up a pair of runs while getting only two outs in the ninth before right-hander Will Vamette cleaned up with the final out. Player AB R H RBI BB K Justin DeCriscio, SS 4 0 1 0 0 1 Ryan Wideman, CF 1 0 0 0 0 1 Kasen Wells, CF 3 0 0 0 0 2 Alex McCoy, RF 3 2 1 0 0 0 Luke Cantwell, DH 2 0 0 0 1 1 Rosman Verdugo, 2B 4 0 0 0 0 0 Kerrington Cross, 1B 4 0 2 1 0 0 Bradley Frye, 3B 4 0 0 0 0 1 Yoiber Ocopio, C 3 0 0 0 0 0 Conner Westenburg, LF 3 0 0 0 0 2 Totals 31 2 4 1 1 8 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Abraham Parra (L, 5-6) 3 5 6 5 4 1 0 Will Koger 2 1/3 1 0 0 4 2 0 Braian Salazar 2 2/3 1 0 0 1 2 0 Carlos Medina 2/3 1 2 2 2 0 1 Will Varmette 1/3 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals 9 8 8 7 11 5 1 Nu'u Contrades Comes Through In Pinch, Delivers Storm Walk-Off Win Pinch-hitter Nu'u Contrades capped his first week as a pro by singling home the winning run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth as the host Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm walked off the Ontario Tower Buzzers 5-4. After losing the first two games in the series, the Storm (58-50, 19-23 second half) won the final four. The Storm scored twice in the ninth with the only hit being the one by Contrades, the Padres' sixth-round draft choice, with two walks, a steal and an errant throw on a double steal bringing in the first run. Qrey Lott scored that run following his 19th and 20th steals. Dawson Willis hit a two-run homer as part of a two-hit day, while fourth-round pick Alex Conover also had two hits. Contrades' game-winner was a looper over the shortstop that easily scored Yimy Tovar. Storm right-handed starter Luis Maracara went three innings, allowing three hits on two hits and three walks while striking out five. Left-hander Joseph Herrera gave up one unearned run in two innings, right-hander Yoesmerli Beltre went 2⅓ shutout innings and right-hander Jordan Valenzuela 1⅔ shutout innings. LE1_0809.mp4 LE2_0809.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Dawson Willis, 3B 4 2 2 2 0 1 Alex Conover, CF 3 0 2 0 1 1 Ty Harvey, 1B 3 0 0 1 1 2 Jorge Quintana, SS 4 0 0 0 0 2 Jesmaylin Arias, RF 3 0 0 0 1 0 Qrey Lott, PR 0 1 0 0 0 0 Yimy Tovar, 2B 2 1 0 0 2 0 Truitt Madonna, DH 4 0 0 0 0 1 Jake Bold, C 3 0 0 0 1 2 Dylan Grego, LF 3 1 1 0 0 1 Nu'u Contrades, PH 1 0 1 1 0 0 Totals 30 5 6 4 6 10 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Luis Maracara 3 2 3 3 3 5 1 Joseph Herrera 2 2 1 0 1 2 0 Yoesmerli Beltre 2 1/3 2 0 0 1 1 0 Jordan Valenzuela (W, 2-0) 1 2/3 1 0 0 1 1 0 Totals 9 7 4 3 6 9 1 Padres Mission's Top 20 Prospect Performances Ethan Salas: 2-for-5, HR, 2 RBI, K Kash Mayfield: Traded Miguel Mendez: Traded Ryan Wideman: 0-for-1, K Kruz Schoolcraft: DNP Jorge Quintana: 0-for-4, 2 K Ty Harvey: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, 2 K Kale Fountain: Injured, out for season Tucker Musgrove: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, K, S Coleman Borthwick: In Arizona Lamar King Jr.: DNP Braedon Karpathios: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K Jagger Haynes: DNP Alex McCoy: 1-for-3, HBP, 2 R Truitt Madonna: 0-for-4, K Jesus Castro: DNP Garrett Hawkins: DNP Elliot Lascelles: In Arizona Winyer Chourio: DNP Rosman Verdugo: 0-for-4 View full article

Still looking for a bit of an upgrade on their bench, the San Diego Padres are taking a look at outfielder Austin Hays. According to multiple reports, the 31-year-old has signed a contract with the Padres. Hays was designated for assignment and then released Friday by the Chicago White Sox. Hays has a $6 million salary for this year, but the Padres will only be responsible for a prorated portion of the MLB minimum, making this a very low-risk move. Infielder Gage Workman, just acquired from the Detroit Tigers along with right-hander Casey Mize, was optioned to Triple-A El Paso. Hays, a right-handed hitter, is slashing .233/.250/.326 in 12 games this season. He has been on the injured list twice this season, first on the 10-day IL for a right hamstring strain (April 7-27), then the 60-day IL with a left calf strain (May 4-Tuesday). In his nine-year career, Hays has a slash line of .262/.312/.433 and has hit 15 or more homers four times, topping out at 22 in 2021. View full rumor

Saturday saw the San Diego Padres' four full-season affiliates go 3-1. The Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas dumped Reno 9-5, the Double-A San Antonio Missions edged Springfield 3-2, the High-A Fort Wayne TinCaps were trounced by West Michigan 14-6 and the Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm stopped Ontario 5-1. Padres Minor-League Transactions 1B Romeo Sanabria assigned to San Antonio Missions from El Paso Chihuahuas. Big Finish Paves Way For Chihuahuas' Victory Bryce Johnson went 3-for-5 with two RBIs and two runs scored, while Ethan Salas had a two-run double and Nick Solak drove in the go-ahead run on an eighth-inning sacrifice fly as the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas bounced the host Reno Aces 9-5. The Chihuahuas scored the final four runs of the game in the eighth and ninth innings. The Chihuahuas went with a bullpen game, using seven pitchers, including rehabbing Padres right-hander David Morgan, who went 1⅓ shutout innings, allowing two hits and striking out two.Dustin Harris and Nick Pratto each had two hits, with Harris also walking once, driving in a run and scoring once. Pratto scored a run. The game was tied 1-1 when the Chihuahuas scored four in the third. Harris tripled in a run, Salas (Padres Mission's No. 1 prospect) had his two-run double to right and Rodolfo Duran singled home Salas. The Aces tied it, though, with four runs of their own in the bottom of the fourth. Harris led off the eighth with a single, then with one out stole second and went to third on a throwing error by the catcher, setting up Solak's go-ahead sac fly. In the ninth, Mason McCoy singled home Nick Pratto, who had singled and stolen a base, then stole second and went to third when Clay Dungan struck out but reached on a wild pitch. Johnson then hit his 11th double in 35 games at Triple-A, driving in the final two runs. EP_0808.mp4 EP2_0808.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Bryce Johnson 5 2 3 2 0 1 Dustin Harris 4 1 2 1 1 1 Carlos Rodríguez 5 1 1 0 0 1 Nick Solak 3 1 1 1 0 0 Ethan Salas 4 1 1 2 0 1 Rodolfo Durán 4 0 1 1 0 2 Nick Pratto 4 1 2 0 0 1 Mason McCoy 4 1 1 1 0 0 Clay Dungan 4 1 0 0 0 2 Totals 37 9 12 8 1 9 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Daison Acosta 1 3 1 1 0 0 0 Miguel Cienfuegos 2 2/3 4 4 4 3 0 1 David Morgan 1 1/3 2 0 0 0 2 0 Misael Tamarez 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 Logan Gillaspie 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 Hunter Stratton 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 Hans Crouse 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 Totals 9 11 5 5 5 5 1 Jamie Hitt Fans 7, Braedon Karpathios Hits Early HR In Missions' Win Braedon Karpathios hit a first-inning three-run homer that stood up for the rest of the game thanks in large part to left-hander Jamie Hitt striking out seven over six innings as the host Double-A San Antonio Missions turned back the Springfield Cardinals 3-2. Karpathios, Padres Mission's No. 12 prospect, followed a leadoff single by Ryan Jackson, a walk to Tirso Ornelas and a forceout by Jake Cunningham by hitting his 12th homer of the year on a 2-1 pitch down, an opposite-field shot that clanked off the left-field foul pole. Pitching was the bigger story, though. Hitt allowed a run on four hits and a walk with his seven punchouts, the best of his five starts since being promoted from High-A Fort Wayne. MLB veteran Jose Leclerc, no longer on the injured list by still finding his rhythm following shoulder surgery last year, gave up a solo homer over two innings, striking out three. Right-hander Garrett Hawkins, Padres Mission's No. 17 prospect, came on in a 3-2 game and loaded the bases with no outs on a pair of walks and a sharp single. The next batter grounded to second baseman Wyatt Hoffman, who threw home for the first out, then Hawkins struck out the next batter. That brought up Josiah Ragsdale, just acquired by the Cardinals from the Milwaukee Brewers who homered in his previous at-bat, and Hawkins struck him out to end the game. It was Hawkins' second save since returning to the Missions from Triple-A El Paso. SA_0808.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Ryan Jackson 3 1 2 0 1 0 Tirso Ornelas 3 0 0 0 1 1 Jake Cunningham 4 1 0 0 0 2 Braedon Karpathios 3 1 2 3 0 1 Jack Costello 2 0 0 0 0 1 Albert Fabian 3 0 0 0 0 1 Luis Verdugo 3 0 1 0 0 0 Wyatt Hoffman 3 0 0 0 0 2 Anthony Vilar 3 0 0 0 0 1 Totals 27 3 5 3 2 9 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Jamie Hitt 6 4 1 1 1 7 0 José Leclerc 2 2 1 1 0 3 1 Garrett Hawkins 1 1 0 0 2 2 0 Totals 9 7 2 2 3 12 1 TinCaps Torched By 10-Run Third Inning While the fans packed the stands yet again, the High-A Fort Wayne TinCaps didn't give them a whole lot to cheer about, giving up a 10-run third inning in a 14-6 loss to the West Michigan Whitecaps. The TinCaps had their ninth sellout of 7,575 spectators. Bradley Fry hit his first High-A homer since being promoted from Low-A Lake Elsinore, a two-run shot in the second inning. Frye had two hits as did Yoiber Ocopio, his first since being promoted this week from Lake Elsinore, and Rosman Verdugo. Alex McCoy, Padres Mission's No. 14 prospect, reached base three times with a single and two walks. Right-hander Bryan Balzer, in his seventh start for the TinCaps, gave up six runs on four hits and four walks with three strikeouts in two-plus innings. Right-hander Javier Chacon came in after Balzer didn't retire any of the first four batters to begin the third and gave up six runs of his own, but only three were earned, on four hits and a walk in two-thirds of an inning. The Whitecaps had the first seven batters of the inning reach and 15 in all, getting those 10 runs on five hits, three walks, three hit batters and an error. The game was the first for Whitecaps right-handed starter Brady Smith since being included in the Tarik Skubal trade between the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers. Player AB R H RBI BB K Justin DeCriscio 3 0 0 0 2 1 Ryan Wideman 5 0 0 1 0 0 Alex McCoy 3 1 1 0 2 2 Luke Cantwell 4 2 1 1 0 0 Rosman Verdugo 5 0 2 1 0 1 Lamar King Jr. 4 1 1 1 1 2 Bradley Frye 5 1 2 2 0 3 Yoiber Ocopio 4 1 2 0 0 0 Kasen Wells 3 0 0 0 1 1 Totals 36 6 9 6 6 10 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Bryan Balzer 2 4 6 6 4 3 0 Javier Chacon 2/3 4 6 3 1 1 0 Isaiah Lowe 3 1/3 3 2 2 3 4 0 Sean Barnett 2 2 0 0 0 5 0 Jeferson Villabona 1 0 0 0 3 2 0 Totals 9 13 14 11 11 15 0 Big Hits By Jesmaylin Arias, Alex Conover Spark Storm Jesmaylin Arias had a two-run triple and Alex Conover a two-run double as the host Lake Elsinore Storm scored five early runs en route to a 5-1 victory over the Ontario Tower Buzzers. Storm right-handed starter Tyler Schmitt went 5⅓ innings, allowing just a run on three hits, but walked five while striking out six. Right-hander Rordy Mejia was the only other reliever needed, going the final 3⅔ innings, not allowing a run and just two hits with a pair of walks and one strikeout. With one out in the fourth, Jorge Quintana (Padres Mission's No. 6 prospect) walked and Jose Verdugo singled. Arias, the 19-year-old outfielder from the Dominican Republic, then tripled on a ball to left-center that kept slicing away from the center fielder, rolling to the wall, easily scoring both runners. In the fifth, 10th-round draft pick Augie Lopez walked, Qrey Lott and sixth-round draft pick Nu'u Contrades singled to load the bases. Conover, the Padres' fourth-round compensation pick, pulled a double down the right-field line that scored Lopez and Lott. One out later, Quintana hit a sacrifice fly to center to make it 5-0. LE1_0808.mp4 LE2A_0808.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Nu'u Contrades 5 1 1 0 0 2 Alex Conover 4 0 1 2 0 1 Ty Harvey 4 0 0 0 0 1 Jorge Quintana 2 1 0 1 1 1 Jose Verdugo 4 1 2 0 0 0 Jesmaylin Arias 4 0 1 2 0 1 Truitt Madonna 1 0 0 0 3 0 Augie Lopez 3 1 0 0 1 2 Qrey Lott 2 1 1 0 1 1 Totals 29 5 6 5 6 9 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Tyler Schmitt 5 1/3 3 1 1 5 6 0 Rordy Mejia 3 2/3 2 0 0 2 1 0 Totals 9 5 1 1 7 7 0 Padres Mission's Top 20 Prospect Performance Ethan Salas: 1-for-4, R, 2B, 2 RBI, K Kash Mayfield: Traded Miguel Mendez: Traded Ryan Wideman: 0-for-5, RBI Kruz Schoolcraft: DNP Jorge Quintana: 0-for-2, R, RBI, BB, K Ty Harvey: 0-for-4, K Kale Fountain: Injured, out for season Tucker Musgrove: DNP Coleman Borthwick: In Arizona Lamar King Jr.: 1-for-4, R, RBI, BB, 2 K Braedon Karpathios: 2-for-3, R, HR, 3 RBI, K Jagger Haynes: DNP Alex McCoy: 1-for-3, R, 2 BB, 2 K Truitt Madonna: 0-for-1, 3 BB Jesus Castro: DNP Garrett Hawkins: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, S Elliot Lascelles: In Arizona Winyer Chourio: DNP Rosman Verdugo: 2-for-5, RBI, K FW_0808.mp4 View full article

There is no doubt the San Diego Padres have some potential in their minor-league arms. But due to the trades that have sapped prospects over the last few seasons, as well as just this past week, the Padres need to do more work than other franchises to mine that talent and develop those hidden gems into prospective major-league pitchers. That is certainly the case with our batch of July honorees, which range from top-of-the-chain names to a few diamonds in the rough. Ranking Padres' Best Minor-League Pitchers In July Honorable Mention: Adler Cecil, LHP, Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm July stats: 0-1, 2.70 ERA, 5 games (4 starts), 20 IP, 14 H, 9 R, 6 ER, 11 BB, 32 K, .189 opponent average OK, so we are cheating a little bit here because the 21-year-old left-handed starter made all but one appearance in the Arizona Complex League. The 6-foot-4, 160-pounder is a fun story as he attended Temecula Valley High School, just a quick drive down I-15 from Lake Elsinore. Adler did make his final start of July on the road for the Storm against the Stockton Ports. Adler went 4⅓ shutout innings, yielding just a hit while walking three and striking out five. Cecil has been brought along slowly this year following Tommy John surgery that cost him all of 2025. When he made his debut in 2024 after being a 19th-round draft choice the year before, he never went more than two innings in 18 games, getting knocked around a bit to a 7.54 ERA. He has come back to flash some of that potential that got him a $175,000 bonus to skip junior college. He struck out 70 in 41⅓ innings in the Arizona Complex League, where he had a 4.79 ERA in 13 games (nine starts). He had a pair of 10-strikeout games in the ACL, one in five innings, the other in four. One of those games was in July, when he led the Padres' system with 32 strikeouts. Honorable Mention: Kruz Schoolcraft, LHP, Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm July stats: 1-1, 3.47 ERA, 5 games (all starts), 23⅓ IP, 22 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 19 BB, 21 K, .262 opponent average The 2025 first-round draft choice had a nice July, showing more of the potential the Padres saw in the 19-year-old while also still flashing some of the bumps that need to be smoothed out. After getting rocked for six runs in his first July start, the left-hander put together the best four-start stretch of his very young career, not allowing more than a run in any of those outings, including five shutout innings July 17 vs. the Ontario Tower Buzzers in which he walked three and struck out six and gave up three hits. Perhaps something clicked or a mechanical flaw was refined, but that is definitely something to build upon as the Storm enter the final full month of the regular season (Schoolcraft will get at least one bonus start with Lake Elsinore already clinching a postseason berth via the first-half South Division title in the California League). Walks remain a bugaboo, however. In his final start of last month, he issued six free passes while only allowing four hits and a run in four innings with four punchouts. No. 3: Jesus Castro, RHP, Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm July stats: 1-1, 2.65 ERA, 4 games (all starts), 17 IP, 10 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 5 BB, 16 K, .172 opponent average One blip on the radar foiled what otherwise was a tremendous July for the 19-year-old right-handed starter. That glitch was five runs in five innings on July 7 vs. the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. Other than that? Padres Mission's No. 16 prospect dominated, going 12 innings in three starts, allowing zero runs, two hits and five walks with 13 strikeouts. All five walks came in a single start, July 21 vs. the Visalia Rawhide. He had a 2.65 ERA, an amazing 0.882 WHIP last month and a 65% swinging-strike rate. But he saved his best start of the month for his final outing. It was one of the best put forth by any Padres minor-leaguer this year. On Tuesday against the Stockton Ports, Castro went a career-high seven innings, only giving up one hit and no runs with no walks and seven strikeouts. This was the fourth start that Castro struck out at least seven this year, topping out with a career-high 12 on June 10. It was also the seventh time Castro did not allow a run in his 17 starts, which has put his season ERA at 3.31. Castro isn't on the California League leaderboard because he doesn't have enough innings, but he does have those 17 starts, which only two of the four qualifiers do have. His ERA would be ahead of the league leader's 3.71. No. 2: Bryan Balzer, RHP, High-A Fort Wayne TinCaps July stats: 1-0, 1.08 ERA, 4 games (3 starts), 16⅔ IP, 11 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 19 K, .180 opponent average All prospects don't progress at the same rate, which is one of the keys in how clubs handle their young players. For the 21-year-old right-handed starter, he spent 1½ seasons at Low-A Lake Elsinore before finally earning a promotion to High-A Fort Wayne at the end of June. The jump in level has brought on the best month of Balzer's young career, which started with the Japanese pitcher signing in January 2023 and not pitching until 2024 due to Tommy John surgery. After a bumpy TinCaps debut on June 27, Balzer has put up a 1.08 ERA in four July starts, pitching 16⅔ innings, allowing four runs (two earned) with five walks and 19 strikeouts. That 1.08 ERA was tops in the Padres' system for July. While he had an eight-strikeout game over five innings on July 11, he didn't allow a run in his last two starts of the month, going three innings in an abbreviated appearance July 18 as teams returned from the All-Star break, then five innings July 25. In each, he allowed one hit, combining for three walks and five strikeouts. Those strikeout numbers (22.8% for the season) will probably pop a little more the rest of the season as his confidence grows, as will the walk rate (9.1%) improve. No. 1: Josh Mallitz, RHP, Double-A San Antonio Missions July stats: 1-0, 3.07 ERA, 8 games (all relief), 1 save (2 chances), 14⅔ IP, 8 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 4 BB, 14 K, .160 opponent average OK, sure, the right-handed reliever gave up five earned runs in eighth appearances in July. Not that spectacular. But those five earned runs came in back-to-back games. In the other six? Zero runs in five and one unearned run in the other. As someone who typically goes two or even three innings, that is pretty remarkable. Mallitz has been found money for the Padres. He was an undrafted free agent out of Mississippi who signed in 2024. The 24-year-old has spent the entire season with the Missions after hitting three levels in 2025 (Arizona Complex League, High-A Fort Wayne, Double-A San Antonio). His walk rate is up this year at a still-solid 9.5% after being at 5.9% last year, while his strikeout rate is a bit better at 26.6% (25.7% in 2025). He had a .160 opponent average in July and .199 for the season, so he excels at limiting contact. Mallitz has certainly raised his profile since joining the Padres. He pitched for Israel in the World Baseball Classic, appearing in two games, not allowing a hit with a walk and a strikeout. There's real talent in this arm and a potential future Friar. View full article

Friday saw the San Diego Padres' four full-season affiliates go 3-1 with the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas stopping Reno 8-6, the Double-A San Antonio Missions striking late for a 6-2 win over Springfield, the High-A Fort Wayne TinCaps getting drubbed by West Michigan 14-4 and the Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm pulling out a 10-8 win over Ontario. Padres Minor-League Transactions San Diego Padres signed free-agent LF Dustin Harris to a minor-league contract and assigned him to El Paso Chihuahuas. Ethan Salas Drills First Triple-A Homer In Chihuahuas' Victory Top prospect Ethan Salas hit his first Triple-A homer, a three-run blast, as the El Paso Chihuahuas scored eight runs in the first three innings for an 8-6 victory over the host Reno Aces. Salas, Padres Mission's No. 1 prospect, had two hits and a walk, going deep in his seventh game since being promoted from Double-A San Antonio, where he hit seven homers. His eight homers this year are one shy of the nine he hit in his debut season of 2023. Salas' three-run homer came during a five-run third inning and was pulled down the right-field line, hitting a 1-2 pitch of right-hander Ashton Izzi. Marcos Castanon (two RBIs) and Clay Dungan also homered for the Chihuahuas, while Carlos Rodriguez went 3-for-5 with a run scored. After the Aces jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first, Castanon hit a one-out two-run homer and Dungan a two-out solo shot to go ahead 3-2 in the second. Dustin Harris, who was released by the Padres from Triple-A on Wednesday and re-signed Friday, and Rodriguez began the third with a single, then Rodolfo Duran singled home Harris. That put two runners on for Salas, who cranked his homer to make it 7-2. Will Wagner doubled, Castano singled and Nick Pratto hit a sacrifice fly to make it 8-2, capping the five-run surge. Chihuahuas right-handed starter Sean Boyle allowed three runs in 4⅔ innings on three hits, including a homer, and four walks with three strikeouts. Right-hander J.P. France, who was released from Triple-A by the Houston Astros, made his Chihuahuas debut by retiring the only batter he faced. Left-hander JP Sears, back in Triple-A following his demotion from the Padres, then gave up three runs in two-third of an inning. Right-hander Alek Jacob picked up his seventh save of the season. EP_0807.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Bryce Johnson 4 0 1 0 1 1 Dustin Harris 5 1 1 0 0 0 Carlos Rodríguez 5 1 3 0 0 0 Rodolfo Durán 5 1 2 1 0 1 Ethan Salas 4 2 2 3 1 0 Will Wagner 3 1 1 0 1 0 Marcos Castañon 5 1 2 2 0 1 Mason McCoy 0 0 0 0 0 0 Nick Pratto 4 0 1 1 0 1 Clay Dungan 5 1 1 1 0 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Sean Boyle 4 2/3 3 3 3 4 3 1 J.P. France 1/3 0 0 0 0 0 0 JP Sears 2/3 2 3 3 1 2 0 Ty Adcock 1 1/3 1 0 0 0 3 0 Hans Crouse 1 1 0 0 1 2 0 Alek Jacob 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 Braedon Karpathios Sparks 4-Run Eighth With Go-Ahead Double Braedon Karpathios had the first of three RBI doubles to snap a tie during a four-run eighth inning as the host San Antonio Missions rallied for a 6-2 win over the Springfield Cardinals. Karpathios, Padres Mission's No. 12 prospect, had a pair of RBI doubles as well as a walk and scored a run, while Albert Fabian also had two hits and drove in a run. Missions right-handed starter Eric Yost went six-plus innings and gave up two runs (one earned) on five hits, including a homer, and three walks while striking out six. Right-hander Tucker Musgrove came on with the bases loaded in the seventh and hit a batter with one out to tie the game 2-2, then got a groundout and his second strikeout to end the inning. Right-hander Josh Mallitz tossed two scoreless innings, allowing a hit and striking out two, and earned the win. In the eighth, Jake Cunningham walked and went to second on a wild pitch before scoring on Karpathios' go-ahead double that one-hopped the wall down the right-field line. After a groundout moved Karpathios to third, he scored on Fabian's single to center. Luis Verdugo and Wyatt Hoffman then had back-to-back RBI doubles to put the Missions up 6-2. SA_0807.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Carson Tucker 4 1 0 0 1 2 Tirso Ornelas 3 1 1 0 0 1 Jake Cunningham 3 1 1 0 1 2 Braedon Karpathios 3 1 2 2 1 0 Jack Costello 4 0 1 1 0 0 Albert Fabian 4 0 2 1 0 1 Kai Roberts 0 1 0 0 0 0 Luis Verdugo 3 1 1 1 0 2 Wyatt Hoffman 3 0 1 1 1 2 Brendan Durfee 4 0 0 0 0 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Eric Yost 6 5 2 1 3 6 1 Tucker Musgrove 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 Josh Mallitz 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 TinCaps Get Hammered By Whitecaps Three pitchers gave up four earned runs as the host High-A Fort Wayne TinCaps allowed 16 hits and seven walks in a 14-4 loss to the West Michigan Whitecaps. Luke Cantwell drove in a pair of runs, while Ryan Wideman (Padres Mission's No. 4 prospect) and Justin DeCriscio each had two hits, with Wideman driving in a run and DeCriscio scoring twice. TinCaps right-handed starter Mikael Miralles went four innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits and two walks with a pair of strikeouts. After left-hander Braian Salazar pitched a scoreless fifth, right-handers Will Koger (no outs recorded) and Nick Falter (two innings) each allowed four runs, while right-hander Will Varmette gave up a run in the ninth. West Michigan scored twice in the first, once in the second and twice in the fourth to go up 5-1, then opened it up with five in the sixth. The TinCaps scored three in the seventh to pull within 11-4. FW_0807.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Justin DeCriscio 5 2 2 0 0 2 Ryan Wideman 5 0 2 1 0 0 Kerrington Cross 3 0 0 0 1 3 Luke Cantwell 3 0 1 2 1 1 Lamar King Jr. 4 0 1 0 0 1 Carlos Rodriguez 4 0 0 0 0 0 Bradley Frye 4 1 2 0 0 2 Conner Westenburg 4 0 0 0 0 2 Kasen Wells 3 1 0 1 1 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Maikel Miralles 4 7 5 4 2 2 0 Braian Salazar 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 Will Koger 0 0 4 4 3 0 0 Nick Falter 2 4 4 4 2 1 1 Will Varmette 2 4 1 1 0 2 0 Ty Harvey's 5 RBIs, Contributions From Draftees Power Storm Once down 6-0, the host Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm put together a late surge, including scoring twice in the bottom of the eighth, for a 10-8 victory over the Ontario Tower Buzzers. Nu'u Contrades, the sixth-round draft pick in his third pro game, scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch and Ty Harvey, Padres Mission's No. 7 prospect, had a sacrifice fly for the insurance run. https://padresmission.com/san-diego-padres-top-prospect-rankings/ty-harvey-r138/ Harvey had two hits and drove in five runs, while Dawson Willis homered off the scoreboard, Yimy Tovar had two hits and scored twice and Dylan Grego had a pair of hits for the Storm. Contrades walked twice and scored twice, while fourth-round pick Alex Conover scored three times. The Storm stole six bases, two by Conover. Storm left-hander Adler Cecil, making his first home start and second appearance, was pitching about 20 minutes away from where he went to high school at Temecula Valley. But it didn't go well as he coughed up six runs (five earned) on three hits and four walks with six strikeouts in 2⅔ innings. Right-hander Florangel Vasquez, just promoted from the Arizona Complex League after striking out 42 in 30⅓ innings, went 2⅓ shutout innings, allowing two hits and two walks with two strikeouts. Left-hander Ryan Reed, last year's 15th-round draft pick, appeared in his first Storm game of the season after two outings last year, going two scoreless innings, while Brandon Langley finished up the final two innings, giving up two runs. The Storm trailed 6-0 after a five-run top of the third by the Tower Buzzers, then made it 6-3 in the bottom half on Harvey's two-run single and Jose Verdugo's sac fly. Willis got the comeback in full swing when he blasted an opposite-field solo homer, his fourth, off the scoreboard in right-center, then Qrey Lott made it 6-5 with a run-scoring groundout. Harvey had another big hit in the seventh, a go-ahead two-run opposite-field double off the tall wall in right field and Verdugo added an RBI single. The Tower Buzzers tied it up in the top of the eighth, yet the Storm came right back in the bottom of the inning. Contrades led off the eighth with a walk, Conover was hit by a pitch and two wild pitches brought in Contrades with the go-ahead run and put Conover on third. After a strikeout and a pitching change, Harvey hit a sac fly to center that brought in Conover. LE1_0807.mp4 LE2_0807.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Nu'u Contrades 3 2 0 0 2 1 Alex Conover 2 3 1 0 0 0 Yimy Tovar 4 2 2 0 1 1 Ty Harvey 4 1 2 5 0 1 Dawson Willis 5 1 1 1 0 3 Jose Verdugo 3 0 1 2 0 0 Truitt Madonna 2 1 1 0 2 1 Dylan Grego 4 0 2 0 0 2 Qrey Lott 4 0 0 1 0 2 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Adler Cecil 2 2/3 3 6 5 4 6 1 Florangel Vasquez 2 1/3 2 0 0 2 2 0 Ryan Reed 2 1 0 0 1 1 0 Brandon Langley 2 3 2 2 2 2 0 Padres Mission's Top 20 Prospect Performance Ethan Salas: 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, BB Kash Mayfield: Traded Miguel Mendez: Traded Ryan Wideman: 2-for-5, 2B, RBI Kruz Schoolcraft: DNP Jorge Quintana: DNP Ty Harvey: 2-for-4, 2B, 5 RBI, 1 K Kale Fountain: Injured, out for season Tucker Musgrove: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 HR Coleman Borthwick: In Arizona Lamar King Jr.: 1-for-4, 2B, 1 K Braedon Karpathios: 2-for-3, 2 2B, 2 RBI, BB Jagger Haynes: DNP Alex McCoy: DNP Truitt Madonna: 1-for-2, 2 BB, 1 K Jesus Castro: DNP Garrett Hawkins: DNP Elliot Lascelles: In Arizona Winyer Chourio: DNP Rosman Verdugo: DNP View full article

After shoulder fatigue in his return from Tommy John surgery cost him the last two months, Padres prospect Michael Salina threw an inning in the last ACL game of the season tonight. He'll build up in bridge league action to see if he can get to Elsinore next month. Padres Minor-League Transactions LHP Fernando Sanchez assigned to San Antonio Missions from El Paso Chihuahuas. El Paso Chihuahuas released 2B Nate Mondou. RHP Daichi Moriki assigned to ACL Padres from Lake Elsinore Storm. RHP Florangel Vasquez assigned to Lake Elsinore Storm from ACL Padres. Chihuahuas Stumble After Big Fourth Inning By Aces A five-run fourth inning proved too much to overcome for the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas in a 6-4 loss to the host Reno Aces. Nick Pratto hit a two-run homer and Nick Solak had two of the Chihuahuas' eight hits. Chihuahuas right-hander starter Andrew Thurman allowed five runs (four earned) in four innings, then right-hander Ethan Routzahn gave up a run in the fifth inning. But after that, right-handers Daison Acosta, Hunter Stratton and Alek Jacob combined to yield just one hit in three scoreless innings. After the Aces scored five runs in the fourth to take a 5-1 lead, the Chihuahuas came back with three in the top of the fifth on Pratto's two-run homer, his ninth of the season and fourth with El Paso, and Carlos Rodriguez had an RBI triple. The Aces got one of those back in the bottom of the fifth to go up 6-4. EP_0806.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Bryce Johnson 4 0 1 0 0 1 Carlos Rodríguez 4 0 1 1 0 1 Nick Solak 4 0 2 0 0 0 Rodolfo Durán 4 1 1 0 0 1 Marcos Castañon 4 0 1 0 0 2 Will Wagner 4 0 0 0 0 1 Mason McCoy 2 1 0 0 2 2 Nick Pratto 4 1 1 2 0 1 Clay Dungan 4 1 1 0 0 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Andrew Thurman 4 5 5 4 2 1 1 Ethan Routzahn 1 3 1 1 0 1 0 Daison Acosta 1 0 0 0 3 2 0 Hunter Stratton 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 Alek Jacob 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 Return Doesn't Go Well For Missions' Fernando Sanchez Left-handed starter Fernando Sanchez made his return to the mound after being drilled in the head by a line drive two months ago, but it was not a Cinderella story as he gave up six runs in less than two innings in the host Double-A San Antonio Missions' 9-2 loss to the Springfield Cardinals. Sanchez was injured in the June 6 game vs. Sugar Land. While he did walk off the mound, he did sustain a fracture but no other significant injuries. In his return, he allowed six runs (five earned) on four hits, including a homer, and three walks in 1⅔ innings, striking out three. Offensively, the Missions mustered just four hits, but two of those came from Jack Costello, who was making his Double-A debut after a promotion from High-A Fort Wayne. The Missions scored their two runs in the bottom of the fourth. Jake Cunningham singled, Braedon Karpathios (Padres Mission's No. 12 prospect) walked and Ryan Jackson loaded the bases with a sharp single to right. Costello then hit into a run-scoring 6-4-3 double play that brought in Cunningham and Karpathios scored on a passed ball. Player AB R H RBI BB K Carson Tucker 3 0 0 0 1 2 Tirso Ornelas 4 0 0 0 0 1 Jake Cunningham 4 1 1 0 0 2 Braedon Karpathios 3 1 0 0 1 2 Ryan Jackson 3 0 1 0 1 0 Jack Costello 4 0 2 0 0 0 Wyatt Hoffman 3 0 0 0 0 2 Kai Roberts 3 0 0 0 0 3 Anthony Vilar 1 0 0 0 2 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Fernando Sanchez 1 2/3 4 6 5 3 3 1 Francis Peña 2 1/3 3 0 0 0 3 0 Harry Gustin 2 2 0 0 0 3 0 Clay Edmondson 1 2/3 2 1 1 2 2 0 Sadrac Franco 1 1/3 2 2 2 1 1 0 Carson Montgomery, Carlos Medina Toss 1-Hitter For TinCaps Right-handers Carson Montgomery and Carlos Medina combined on a one-hitter, striking out nine, as the host High-A Fort Wayne TinCaps stopped the West Michigan Whitecaps 3-0. It was the 19th one-hitter in franchise history and the TinCaps' fifth shutout of the season. Lamar King Jr., Padres Mission's No. 7 prospect, hit a two-run homer in the fifth inning and Kerrington Cross a solo shot in the seventh. It was the fourth homer this year for King and the 15th for Cross. Ryan Wideman, Padres Mission's No. 4 prospect, had a single and stole his minors-leading 61st base of the season. Montgomery and Medina were the standouts on this night, though. Montgomery had allowed 24 runs (22 earned) in his five previous starts over 19⅓ innings. But he was more like his early-season form, when he gave up just five runs (four earned) in 27 innings to begin the year. Montgomery went a career-high six innings and allowed just a one-out double in the second inning with two walks and three strikeouts. Medina, in his third appearance with the TinCaps after being promoted from Low-A Lake Elsinore, pitched three perfect innings with six strikeouts in earning his first professional save in 20 career appearances, only seven of which have come in relief in his debut season. FW_0806.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Kasen Wells 4 0 1 0 0 0 Ryan Wideman 4 0 1 0 0 2 Alex McCoy 4 0 0 0 0 2 Kerrington Cross 3 1 1 1 0 0 Rosman Verdugo 3 1 1 0 0 0 Lamar King Jr. 3 1 1 2 0 1 Bradley Frye 2 0 0 0 1 2 Yoiber Ocopio 3 0 0 0 0 2 Conner Westenburg 3 0 0 0 0 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Carson Montgomery 6 1 0 0 2 3 0 Carlos Medina 3 0 0 0 0 6 0 Storm's Alex Conover, Nu'u Contrades Homer For First Pro Hits Alex Conover and Nu'u Contrades each hit their first professional home runs for their first pro hits in their second games and Conover brought in the winning run when he was hit by a pitch in the seventh inning of the host Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm's 5-2 victory over the Ontario Tower Buzzers. Augie Lopez, a catcher who was the Padres' 10th-round draft choice, made his pro debut by playing first base and also notching his first pro hit. Storm right-handed starter Lan-Hong Su had another nice outing, allowing an unearned run in three innings on five hits and a walk with four punchouts. Right-hander Michael Salina, a 2025 fourth-round draft choice, made his Storm debut with a scoreless fourth inning, allowing a hit and striking out one. His pro debut was delayed until May due to Tommy John surgery, then missed another two months with a shoulder issue. Right-hander Yoesmerli Beltre had a scoreless fifth, then right-hander Zack Qin allowed a run in three innings, striking out five and walking two. Right-hander Jordan Valenzuela pitched a perfect ninth for his first Low-A save and fourth this season. Despite being outhit 9-5 and committing three errors, the Storm made the most of the hits they did get thanks to drawing seven walks. Contrades, the sixth-round draft choice batting leadoff, hit a 2-2 pitch out to left-center off Tower Buzzers right-handed starter Luis Gamez with one out in the third inning. Conover, a left-handed hitter taken in the fourth round and batting second in the lineup, also hit an opposite-field solo homer to left off left-hander Ian May with one out in the sixth on a 2-1 pitch to tie the game 2-2. The Storm loaded the bases in the seventh on two walks and a hit by pitch when Conver was also hit by a pitch to force in the go-ahead run with two outs. In the eighth, two more walks set up Lopez's clinching double to right that brought in two more runs. LE1_0806.mp4 LE2_2_0806.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Nu'u Contrades 3 1 1 1 1 1 Alex Conover 3 1 1 2 0 0 Ty Harvey 4 0 1 0 0 1 Jorge Quintana 3 0 1 0 1 1 Yimy Tovar 3 1 0 0 1 0 Jesmaylin Arias 2 1 0 0 2 0 Dylan Grego 2 1 0 0 1 1 Augie Lopez 3 0 1 2 0 0 Jose Verdugo 0 0 0 0 0 0 Qrey Lott 3 0 0 0 1 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Lan-Hong Su 3 5 1 0 1 4 0 Michael Salina 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 Yoesmerli Beltre 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 Zack Qin 3 2 1 1 2 5 0 Jordan Valenzuela 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 Padres Mission's Top 20 Prospect Performance Ethan Salas: DNP Kash Mayfield: Traded Miguel Mendez: Traded Ryan Wideman: 1-for-4, SB, 2 K Kruz Schoolcraft: DNP Jorge Quintana: 1-for-3, 2B, BB, K Ty Harvey: 1-for-4, K Kale Fountain: Injured, out for season Tucker Musgrove: DNP Coleman Borthwick: In Arizona Lamar King Jr.: 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, K Braedon Karpathios: 0-for-3, BB, R, 2 K Jagger Haynes: DNP Alex McCoy: 0-for-4, 2 K Truitt Madonna: DNP Jesus Castro: DNP Garrett Hawkins: DNP Elliot Lascelles: In Arizona Winyer Chourio: DNP Rosman Verdugo: 1-for-3, R View full article

The funk from May and June appears to be over, but also serves as a reminder that this offense can suddenly turn bad. Perhaps it was an adjustment period with a new coaching staff, but July showed that the San Diego Padres can be a good offensive team. The Friars will need production like July, if not better, to get to where they want to go by the end of September. Ranking Padres' Best Hitters in July Honorable mention: Jackson Merrill, CF July stats: .300/.330/.530, 26 games, 17 R, 2 2B, 0 3B, 7 HR, 17 RBI, 5 BB, 24 K, 3 SB, 1 CS After three months of not being a real factor in a struggling Padres offense, the center fielder came on strong in July. Including an 0-for-2 on July 1 that dropped his slash line to .211/.271/.341 (not his low point, but close to it), Merrill slashed .300/.330/.530 for the month to bring his season numbers up to .234/.285/.388, still far below his career norms. That surge included seven homers and 17 RBIs. He still doesn't walk as much as you would like from a key contributor—he had just five in 106 July plate appearances—while striking out 24 times. He didn't run as much last month, either, stealing just three bases after having eight in June. The Padres are better when Merrill helps create offense, whether at the plate or on the bases. No. 3: Luis Rengifo, UTL July stats: .381/.469/.571, 13 games, 10 R, 2 2B, 0 3B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 7 BB, 8 K, 2 SB, 0 CS The de facto Samad Taylor replacement (and perhaps upgrade) has picked up where the unheralded spark plug left off with his strained right oblique that put him on the 10-day injured list. It is a good story for the Padres as well as Rengifo, who was released by the Milwaukee Brewers on June 23 and landed with the Friars on a minor-league contract a week later. He spent about a week at Triple-A El Paso when Taylor was hurt and Rengifo got his call-up. Perhaps no longer feeling pressure in a new place (Milwaukee) and enjoying a second chance with San Diego, Rengifo homered twice in a three-game span after not going deep in 57 games with the Brewers. One decided a game and the other gave the Padres a chance at a big win. The first was a two-run shot that followed a Fernando Tatis Jr. RBI triple in the ninth inning of a 7-6 loss to Atlanta on July 22. Two days later, his two-run blast vs. the Miami Marlins broke a 2-2 tie in the eighth inning of a 4-2 triumph. Rengifo had five multi-hit games in July. He also scored three times in a game twice, including Friday's 7-0 win over the San Francisco Giants. No. 2: Ty France, 1B July stats: .326/.370/.596, 23 games, 13 R, 6 2B, 0 3B, 6 HR, 20 RBI, 3 BB, 21 K, 0 SB, 0 CS Let's just call him Mr. Reliable because France just produces when the Padres need him to, yet it also feels almost unexpected. Still, the first baseman has made himself into a truly valuable piece of the offense, getting big hits and popping homers. He hit six of his 16 homers in July, including five in a seven-game span. He also had 11 RBIs, which was his third straight month with double-digit RBIs. Those five homers came during a nine-game hitting streak in which he slashed .455/.487/1.030—yes, he slugged 1.030 due to four doubles and five homers among his 15 hits. He has 13 RBIs since the All-Star break, one of the best totals in MLB and just behind Tatis' 14. His biggest game of the month came in the Padres' 19-2 shellacking of the Kansas City Royals on July 19. France hit a pair of homers, one off a position player, and drove in five. He also had a three-RBI game against the Marlins in a 7-2 win July 25. No. 1: Manny Machado, 3B July stats: .292/.369/.552, 25 games, 16 R, 4 2B, 0 3B, 7 HR, 19 RBI, 13 BB, 25 K Saying that the third baseman had his best month of the season is true, but is also clearing a low bar. This has been a pretty frustrating season for Machado. While the power numbers have been there, the batting average hasn't come along. But Machado was in the best groove of his season in July. While hitting seven homers, one more than he belted in each of May and June, he had 28 hits in July, better than the 22 he had the previous month. But those handful of hits produced a .292 batting average for last month as opposed to a .220 mark for June. To show that he was a better hitter, he had nine multi-hit games in July after having 13 entering the month. He only went hitless in consecutive games twice (once for three games, the other two). He also had a 19-game on-base streak that ended Thursday, a stretch in which he slashed .338/.412/.608. That was his longest streak since a 22-game run in April-May 2022. Machado only had two multi-RBI games in July, but did drive in 19 total runners. View full article