San Diego Padres EVT Minor League Players of the Month (April)

Ty France and MacKenzie Gore had incredible months of April for the San Diego Padres minor league system. Each young player emerged during the first few weeks of the season to establish themselves as viable prospects. They are your EVT Minor League Players of the Month.

In the first month of the 2019 minor league season, several young players emerged for the San Diego Padres.

The Hot Talent Lava that we have heard about for the last few years is starting to reach the major league level, as Ty France, Fernando Tatis Jr., Chris Paddack, Pedro Avila, Gerardo Reyes, and Nick Margevicius all made their major league debuts this season for the Friars.

More reinforcements are coming for San Diego too, as the Triple-A team just won 12 games in a row and has plenty of talent. The El Paso Chihuahuas have several players that will make their debuts soon with their parent club. It is a good time to be a Padres fan, as the youth is starting to trickle into Petco. These young players bring a sense of excitement with them.

Here is a look at your San Diego Padres EVT minor league players of the month for April 2019.

Offensive Player of the Month

Ty France– .423/.500/.885 ( 1.385 OPS) 9 HR, 23 RBI (4 BB/14K)

The young infielder was superior in April putting up a 1.385 OPS which is unheard of (Well maybe not for the PCL). He played all over the infield, even seeing time at second base for El Paso. He should have plenty of playing time with the major league team in the next few weeks as Fernando Tatis Jr. is injured with a bad hamstring. The SDSU product has a compact swing and developing power. France was never considered a blue-chip prospect, but he has quietly gone about his business to be one of the best young position players in the entire system.

Honorable Mentions

Jorge Ona– .361/.433/.866 ( .999 OPS) 5 HR, 18 RBI (11 BB/23 K)

The Cuban outfielder has taken off in 2019 and gotten himself back on the radar in terms of prospect status. He had a down year last year in California, where he put up a .693 OPS for the Storm in 100 games. He only hit eight homers on the season in the California League, but already sits with five in a handful of at-bats in Texas. Expect the 22-year-old to continue to develop. He may never be a top power threat, but he could turn into a useful corner outfielder for the team.

Luis Urias– .356/.433/.847  (1.280 OPS) 7 HR, 13 RBI (6 BB/15 K)

The 21-year-old was supposed to be the second baseman for the Padres in 2019 (and that still may happen), but the team signed Ian Kinsler and are playing him every day even though he has started cold. Urias hit five homers in two games last week and is showing plenty of power, but his strikeouts are up, and the Padres seem concerned that he is trying to do too much. Urias is the future for the team. But the Padres aren’t quite sure when that future is.

Xavier Edwards– .390/.449/.455  (.904 OPS) 0 HR, 10 RBI  (10 BB/14 K)

Regarded as one of the best young leadoff men in the minors, Edwards is quickly establishing himself in the Midwest League. He has a very quick bat from both sides of the plate and speed out of the box. He has had issues stealing so far, only swiping eight bags while being caught six times, but he is still learning the nuances of the game. The 19-year-old is showing flashes of a brilliant glove at second base and could be a quick riser in the system.

Luis Campusano– .342/.419/.479  (.898 OPS) 1 HR, 10 RBI (11 BB/14 K)

The Padres selected the catcher a few seasons back, and he has been impressive at every stop in the system. Campusano is regarded as a plus defender and all the pitchers rave about his demeanor behind the dish. He controls the tempo of a game, and that is rare, as he is still only 20 years old. He should be promoted to Double-A at some point in 2019 as the Padres have been aggressive with his advancement.

Pitcher of the Month

MacKenzie Gore– (2-0) 1.37 ERA/0.72 WHIP- 26 IP, 4 BB, 38 K

Although Ryan Weathers put up a good fight, there is no other to be awarded as pitcher of the month. Jim Callis’ man crush has been everything as advertised in the California League. Gore told me before the season that he wanted to dominate and that is percisely what he has done. MacKenzie Gore is fully healthy. There is no talk about the blister. He is focused and will be promoted in the next month or so. If you want to see him in Lake Elsinore, now is the time. He will not be there long.

Honorable Mentions

Ryan Weathers– (2-0) 1.82 ERA/0.97 WHIP- 24.2 IP, 3 BB, 31 K

Weathers has an edge about himself early in the 2019 season, and it has shown on the stat sheet. He is attacking hitters and pitching like a solid veteran for the TinCaps. There were some that thought Weathers might only be a bottom of the rotation type pitcher in the majors, but he is going to be better than that. At 19, there is still plenty of growth for the left-handed pitcher, but he should see the California League at some point in 2019.

Evan Miller– (0-1) 0.73 ERA/0.49 WHIP- 12.1 IP, 2 BB, 19 K

This right-handed pitcher who was a 22nd round pick in 2016 has been impressive for the last two season and is currently someone who is flying under the radar. Miller saved six games for the TinCaps last year and already has three this year for the Storm. The 6-foot-2 right-handed pitcher throws strikes and could eventually be a factor for the upper minor league teams and their bullpens.

Gabe Mosser– (1-0) 2.79 ERA/0.93 WHIP- 19.1 IP, 4 BB, 19 K

Mosser was selected in the 27th round of the 2018 draft and has pitched well for the Friars. The 22-year-old is a strike thrower and has been a solid member of the TinCaps’ rotation. He could be left in the rotation but might be ultimately used out of the bullpen in long relief. There is a lot to like with Mosser.

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.