Rico Noel, Matt Jackson Promoted to Fort Wayne

The Padres have promoted 2009 31st-rounder Matt Jackson and 2010 fifth-rounder Rico Noel from short-season Eugene to Low-A Fort Wayne.

Jackson, a right-handed relief pitcher, allowed two earned runs in six innings across three appearances for the Emeralds this year. He worked as a swingman in Eugene last year, with a 4.97 ERA and 44/12 K/BB in 58 innings. The 22-year-old becomes the first pitcher to be promoted from the short-season leagues up to Fort Wayne this season.

Noel was one of my favorite picks in this year’s draft, and he got off to a 5-for-15 start in four games with Eugene, also walking four times (once every game) and stealing a base. He’s a true leadoff prospect, and it’s nice to see that the Padres have another leadoff prospect in the lower minors, below the more advanced Drew Cumberland, Blake Tekotte, and Cole Figueroa.

Noel follows 18th-round outfielder Dan Meeley as the second 2010 draftee to make it to full-season ball.