Minor League Teams Kick Off Exciting Season with Competitive Matchups

The El Paso Chihuahuas have kicked off their season, playing their first four games immediately following the San Diego Padres. Currently, they hold a balanced 2-2 record, having secured a victory against both the Sacramento Salt River Cats and the Tacoma Rainiers. The Chihuahuas’ pitching staff is headlined by rehabbing starter Matt Waldron, who made a strong debut with three innings pitched, allowing only two hits and striking out three batters. His fastball has shown increased velocity this season, averaging 93 mph, while his sinker has reached 92 mph. Waldron’s five-pitch mix includes a notable reliance on his sinker and a knuckleball that he used 27% of the time during his first start.

The Padres face an upcoming decision regarding Waldron’s promotion to the major league club, especially since he is out of options and cannot remain in El Paso. The Chihuahuas’ rotation also features right-hander Triston McKenzie, who struggled in his start with two innings pitched, allowing two runs and issuing four walks. Left-hander Marco Gonzales logged five innings, giving up six hits and three earned runs, while J.P. Sears also pitched five innings, surrendering two earned runs. Following Waldron’s rehab stint, left-hander Jackson Wolf is anticipated to join the rotation. Meanwhile, right-hander Logan Gillaspie has been serving in a relief role, and right-hander Sean Boyle is scheduled to start the second game against Tacoma.

Utility player Sung-Mun Song has made three starts for the Chihuahuas, playing both second base and shortstop. In 17 at-bats, he has managed one hit alongside six strikeouts, a walk, and three RBIs, resulting in a .235 batting average and an OPS of .513.

The Missions are set to begin their play on Thursday against the Tulsa Drillers. The starting rotation will feature top prospect right-hander Miguel Mendez alongside left-hander Jagger Haynes and right-handers Eric Yost, Luis Gutierrez, and Victor Lizarraga. The bullpen is anchored by Harry Gustin, Johan Moreno, Manuel Castro, Josh Mallitz, and Ryan Och. Ethan Salas is expected to take on the primary catching duties, with Brandon Durfee backing him up. First baseman Romeo Sanabria, a standout from spring training, will be supported by infielders Francis Acuña, Ryan Jackson, Carson Tucker, and Luis Verdugo. Wyatt Hoffman, the son of Padres Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman, will serve as a utility player.

The outfield will feature Albert Fabian, Braedon Karpathios, Kai Murphy, and Kai Roberts, alongside returning player Josh Mears, who is attempting a comeback after retiring last June due to injury issues.

Fort Wayne is set to begin its season on Friday against the Great Lakes Loons in Midland, Michigan. Left-hander Kash Mayfield leads their pitching rotation, followed by right-handers Kannon Kemp, Isaiah Lowe, and Carson Montgomery, with left-hander Jaxon Dalena also in the mix. The bullpen includes Clark Candiotti, Clay Edmondson, Bernard Jose, Abraham Parra, and Jeferson Villabona. Catcher/first baseman Lamar King Jr. will be supported by Oswaldo Linares and Carlos Rodriguez, while infielders Jack Costello, Zach Evans, Dylan Grego, Jonathon Vastine, and Rosman Verdugo round out the roster. The outfield will consist of Jake Cunningham, Alex McCoy, Kavares Tears, and Kasen Wells.

Lake Elsinore will launch its season on Thursday against the Ontario TowerBuzzers, a new team in the California League. Left-hander Kruz Schoolcraft heads up their rotation, joined by left-hander Bryan Balzer and right-hander Sean Barnett, along with a mix of starters and relievers drafted or signed in 2025. The roles of many players on this roster remain to be defined. The catching duties will be handled by Ty Harvey and Truitt Madonna, both drafted in 2025, alongside Victor Duarte, who also plays second base. The infield will feature Luke Cantwell, Kerrington Cross, Justin DeCriscio, Bradley Frye, Jose Verdugo, and Jorge Quintana. Outfielders include George Bilecki, Conner Westernburg, Ryan Wideman, and Kale Fountain, who made headlines in the Spring Breakout game with an impressive 455-foot home run.

Stay tuned for weekly updates on minor league action at Gaslamp Ball.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.