Hunter Renfroe and Mallex Smith Receive Promotions

Mallex Smith. Mandatory Credit: Emily Jones-MiLB.com

According to Corey Brock of MLB.com, the San Diego Padres have promoted 2013 1^st round pick Hunter Renfroe to Double-A San Antonio, and have promoted speedy OF Mallex Smith to High-A Lake Eslinore.

Renfroe was absolutely tearing it up with the Strom this year, batting .295 with a 556. slugging percentage, but has also blasted 16 HRs with 52 RBI. Renfroe is making a quick progression through the Padres’ system after being drafted just last year. He had been regarded by many scouts as being one of the highest-ceiling players in his draft class, and it looks like early in his career, he is cashing in on that potential.

"“He had a great first half in Elsinore,” said Padres’ vice president of player development Randy Smith to Brock. “The thing that I was very pleased with is he cut down on the strikeouts, the average came up and he carried that into June.”"

Smith was a 5^th round pick of the Padres back in 2012, and has caught many eyes this season thanks to his 48 stolen bases, which leads all professional baseball. Smith is batting .295 and has an exceptional .393 on-base percentage.

"“Mallex has matured, and he understands his part of the game — getting on base and scoring runs,” Smith said to Brock."

Relief pitcher Trevor Gott, a 6^th round selection in 2013, will also make the jump from Lake Elsinore to San Antonio. Gott has been the closer for Lake Elsinore the season collecting 16 saves with a 3.16 ERA.

The news of the success from Renfroe and Smith has to be a sight for sore eyes to Padres’ fans, which have watched one of the worst offenses in baseball history so far this season. Renfroe possesses the kind of pop that is non-existent in the Padres’ current lineup, and Smith has the kind of speed that is an instant game-changer.

It’s not out of the realm to think that Renfroe has the chance to be a September call-up, an exciting thought for fans. The Padres front office should not rush his progression, but he could bring a punch to an anemic offense.