Down on the Farm: June 14
Credit: MiLB
Bryan Rodriguez– RHP, Triple-A, El Paso Chihuahuas
6 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Bryan Rodriguez has looked a lot better as of late. Rodriguez now has four straight starts in which he has pitched at least five innings and given up three earned runs or fewer. Even better than that, Rodriguez has not had a real blow up since a seven-run outing back in late April. Rodriguez still isn’t blowing hitters away, as he is only averaging a few strikeouts per outing, but he is getting the job done much more effectively than he has in the past.
Ryan Schimpf– 3B, Triple-A, El Paso Chihuahuas
1-4, 1 RBI
Ryan Schimpf hit a single. That is all.
Luis Urias– 2B, Double-A, San Antonio Missions
1-1, 1 HBP
Luis Urias has been struggling lately. After setting the world on fire through the first two months of the season, Urias has cooled off significantly over the last few weeks, slashing only .294/.405/.353 over the last 30 days and an even worse .143/.333/.143 over the last 10. Even with the struggles, Urias is still working walks and getting on base at a pretty solid clip. However, things may have taken an even worse turn on Wednesday night as Urias took a HBP on the arm and left the game. The extent of the injury remains to be seen, but Urias has already had tough luck in recent weeks and this could make things even worse.
Trey Wingenter– RHP, Double-A, San Antonio Missions
1 IP, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Drafted in the 17th round of the 2015 draft, Trey Wingenter is a massive human being. Standing at 6-7 and 200 pounds, Wingenter is quite imposing on the mound. Although he has only pitched in 22 innings so far this season, Wingenter has been nothing short of dominant, giving up only five earned runs and striking out 30 batters so far. Wingenter has parlayed his success into his first All Star appearance this season. This wasn’t the best outing for Wingenter, but he’s been so good this season it can be forgiven.
Colby Blueberg– RHP, High-A, Lake Elsinore Storm
1 IP, 1 H, 1 K
Outside of the starters that are mentioned rather frequently in the Down on the Farm pieces, no relief pitcher has been more impressive than Storm right-hander, Colby Blueberg. Phil Maton may have grabbed headlines with his big league promotion over the last few days, but Blueberg has been the most dominant reliever in the Padres’ organization to this point in the season. So far on the year, Blueberg not only has pitched 36 innings, giving up only seven earned in total, but he has also struck out an eye-popping 45 batters while walking only 10. There is a long way to go for Blueberg to be at the same place as Phil Maton, but he’s off to a great start.
Jorge Ona– RF, Low-A, Fort Wayne TinCaps
1-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI
In just his first full professional season stateside, right fielder Jorge Ona has been nothing if not impressive, as the youngster has earned himself a spot on the Midwest League All Star team after slashing .300/.367/.395 to begin the season for the TinCaps. Despite his flashes of brilliance, Ona has yet to reach his full power potential at the plate, as the big righty has only hit four home runs this season after he hit his fourth on Wednesday night. Despite the lack of power to this point, Ona has still done plenty, as he has played solid if not unspectacular defense while collecting his fair share of single base hits. The Padres’ brass hope he unlocks more power as the season progresses, but so far so good.
Moises Lugo- RHP, DSL Padres
Other News and Notes
Over the last week, three of four minor league levels have announced All Star rosters. In total, the Padres’ organization will have 13 All Stars between the Fort Wayne TinCaps, Lake Elsinore Storm, and San Antonio Missions. For the TinCaps, Jorge Ona, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Logan Allen will all be representing the Midwest League. For the Storm, Cal Quantrill, Eric Lauer, and Joey Lucchesi will represent the pitching staff while Josh Naylor represents the lineup and Colby Blueberg represents the bullpen in the California League. For the Missions, Luis Urias, Jose Rondon, Michael Kelly, Trey Wingenter, and Eric Yardley will all be representing at the Texas League All Star Game.
Editorial and Prospect Writer for East Village Times. Twenty-five years young, Patrick has lived in San Diego for his entire life and has been a Padres fan nearly as long. Patrick lives for baseball and is always looking to learn new things about the game he loves through advanced stats.