It was a week of mixed results across the Padres' minor league affiliates, with all but one team surging ahead. While Lake Elsinore stumbled in their series against Inland Empire, losing 2-4, they still hold onto first place in the California League South division with a solid 19-14 record. The Storm's Tyler Schmitt provided a bright spot, earning California League Pitcher of the Week honors after tossing six shutout innings, allowing just one hit and striking out five.
Every other affiliate posted a winning record, with Fort Wayne, San Antonio, and El Paso each going 4-2 on the week. The TinCaps are celebrating a big individual honor—Alex McCoy was named April Player of the Month. The versatile outfielder/first baseman/DH tore it up in 22 games, slashing .354/.386/.683 with 10 doubles and five home runs. For the season, he's hitting .284 with 15 RBIs. And yes, he's gotten even bigger: McCoy recently told MadFriars.com he's now 6-foot-6 and 277 pounds after an offseason dedicated to adding size and refining his swing.
Over in the Pacific Coast League, El Paso reliever Logan Gillaspie was named Pitcher of the Week after a dominant 5.1-inning stretch where he allowed no hits, no runs, and just one walk while striking out three. For the season, he holds a 4.44 ERA with 25 strikeouts over 24.1 innings, bouncing back from a rocky start that plagued many of the Chihuahuas' arms.
Samad Taylor continues to rake in Triple-A, posting a .331 average with a .978 OPS, seven homers, and 22 RBIs. The infielder/outfielder can play all three outfield spots, second base, and DH, making him a versatile weapon. Pablo Reyes is also thriving, carrying a .439 on-base percentage with 20 walks and a .320 average. Meanwhile, outfielder Jase Bowen is flashing serious power with a .948 OPS, 10 home runs, and 21 RBIs, plus excellent defense and speed. The only thing holding him back from a big-league call-up? A high strikeout rate—40 whiffs in 130 at-bats.
On the mound, right-hander Evan Fitterer has been steady, posting a 2.63 ERA with 24 strikeouts over 27.1 innings across seven starts. Lefty Jackson Wolf relies on a low-90s fastball but gets great extension from his 6-foot-7 frame, racking up 32 strikeouts in 29 innings. In the bullpen, Ethan Routzahn has a 3.00 ERA over 15 appearances, while Alek Jacob has been effective for El Paso with 18 strikeouts and two saves in 17.2 innings of work.