On Major League Baseball eve, El Paso continues to keep the Padres’ system undefeated with their second win of the year. The team will get a big boost as, during the game, top prospects Luis Campusano and MacKenzie Gore were both optioned to El Paso for at the least the beginning of the big league season. Former big leaguer Nomar Mazara was previously assigned to the roster but did not make it to Round Rock in time for the game. He should be there in time for Thursday’s contest. The team is still waiting for more additions as the Padres slowly finalize their roster.
Matthew Batten in action against Round Rock. ((Photo by Eddie Kelly / ProLook Photos)
El Paso Chihuahuas 6 – Express 2
Key Statistics: LHP Aaron Leasher 4 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, BB, 6 K; RHP Evan Miller 2 IP, 4 K; 3B Matthew Batten 2-for-5, 2 RS, 2 SB (2); SS Eguy Rosario 0-for-4, BB, RS; RF Trayce Thompson 1-for-4, HR (2), RBI; 2B Domingo Leyba 1-for-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, BB
Prospect Watch: Third baseman Matthew Batten showed off his versatility. He led off, collected two hits, stole two bases, and made a few nice plays at third. The former 32nd-round pick plays all over the infield and owns a career .284/.362/.381 slash-line… LHP Ray Kerr showed both why the Padres were interested enough to acquire him and why he is still in Triple-A. He sat in the upper-90s with a wipeout slider that would have fans pondering if he is the Padres’ future closer. He then would throw the next three pitches into the opposite batter’s box. Still, a lot to dream about. … LHP Aaron Leasher worked the first four innings, inducing plenty of soft contact. All four baserunners came in the second inning with a walk and three groundball singles that each beat the shift. Outside of that, Leasher dominated. He struck out six and retired the final seven batters. Leasher sat 89-90 mph most of the night, topping out at 92. He is someone who relies on movement and control over pure stuff but was quick and efficient in his four innings (56 pitches). Leasher, Heath Fillmyer, Evan Miller and Kerr combined to put down 20 in a row before Kerr walked a batter in the 9th. … Second baseman Domingo Leyba hit his first home run for the Chihuahuas. Leyba came to the Padres as a minor league free agent after hitting .313/.335/.577 last year. Leyba, who is a middle infielder by trade, spent time in the outfield in spring training and adds insurance for the Padres big league club on the chance another injury occurs. He was a member of the Round Rock Express in 2021.
LHP Ryan Weathers gets the start Thursday and is expected to go four to five innings.
Two in a row! Gore, Weathers and Knerr should not get comfortable in AAA. MLB is in their near-term futures! Play well boys, the future is bright and Pads fans know you are our future!