​The El Paso Chihuahuas and San Antonio Missions posted a winning week, marking them as the only two minor league affiliates to do so. In contrast, the Fort Wayne TinCaps and Lake Elsinore Storm, both Single-A clubs, dropped their series this past week. Lake Elsinore, who captured the first-half title in their division, has slumped to a 4-11 record since the wholesale promotions that closed the first half. That mark stands as the worst in their league as they wait for the late July or early August arrivals that will come after the draft.
In anticipation of those new players, the Padres’ organization has continued shuffling the system. MLB teams are permitted 165 minor league roster spots; the moves over the last two weeks have brought San Diego to 153 players. Kannon Kemp, a right-handed pitcher, completed his rehab assignment and was assigned to Fort Wayne. Johan Moreno, also a right-handed reliever who was promoted before the break, has been moved again and will suit up for El Paso. Reliever Ryan Och, who thrived after rehab, was promoted from Fort Wayne to San Antonio. Left-handed starter Jamie Hitt was likewise promoted from Fort Wayne to San Antonio. Eric Yost, a right-hander who moved to El Paso for a start when Jhony Brito was promoted to the majors, has been returned to San Antonio.
Additionally, pitchers Tristan McKenzie and CJ Widger were released from the organization. McKenzie had been signed to a minor league deal as part of general manager A.J. Preller’s pre-season reclamation project; he possesses a high-90s fastball and had previous success as a major league starter but has never regained command following his injury. The organization is expected to continue adjusting rosters before and after this weekend’s draft.
On the offensive side, catcher Ethan Salas and left-handed pitcher Kash Mayfield will represent the Padres in the All-Star Futures Game, which takes place on Sunday, July 12, at 9 a.m. Pacific, with coverage on NBC/Peacock.
On the field, the Chihuahuas went 4-2 across six games but still appear handicapped by losing their best offensive players to the major league squad. Carlos Rodriguez, an outfielder, has stepped in and posted a .306/.373/.396 line with 14 doubles, two triples, two home runs, and 46 RBIs. The 25-year-old now leads the team in RBIs and has accumulated 31 strikeouts against 31 walks. Infielder Pablo Reyes, aged 32, was released, while Nick Solak, Dylan Grego, Mason McCoy, Marcus Castanon, Luis Rengifo, and Clay Dungan were all available to play the same positions elsewhere.
Gregg and Rengifo have delivered solid starts since arriving in El Paso. Pitcher Evan Fitterer has joined a small cadre of hurlers who can sustain success in the Pacific Coast League. Across 18 appearances, including 12 starts, Fitterer, 26, owns a 3.53 ERA over 63.2 innings, with 44 strikeouts and 37 walks, and has yielded only two home runs. He joined the Padres as a free agent signing after electing free agency in the offseason, having originally been drafted by another organization. With the draft looming, more roster moves are likely as the Padres continue to refine their talent pipeline.