San Diego Padres: mid-season minor league all-stars

Bench:

C – Austin Allen   EL Paso Chihuahuas

G     AB     R      H     TB    2B   3B  HR  RBI  BB   SO   SB   AVG   OBP    SLG   OPS

34  131   24    39   77     11    0     9    23   15    30     0   .298   .373   .588  .961

The Padres fourth-round pick in general manager A.J. Preller’s first draft of 2015, Allen has done nothing but hit, sporting a slash line of .290/.352/.470 through his minor league career. That hasn’t changed with his promotion to the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League this season either. Allen showed well in a brief 42 at-bat cameo with the Friars, and should be among the discussions for another shot when rosters expand in September.

IF – Ivan Castillo  Amarillo Sod Poodles

G     AB     R      H      TB    2B   3B  HR  RBI  BB  SO   SB   AVG   OBP    SLG   OPS

50  209   35   72    110   16    5      4    30   13   30    9   .344   .370    .526  .896

There were other players considered for this spot on the roster, but after going over the numbers, it was hard not to give it to Castillo. Originally it was to go to Esteury Ruiz but you cannot discount what Castillo has done with Amarillo this season. Signed as a minor league free agent in the off-season, it will be interesting to see the path the front office decides to take with this player who is forcing his way to a possible longer term in the system.

Utility – Matthew Batten  EL Paso Chihuahuas

G     AB     R      H     TB   2B   3B  HR  RBI  BB  SO   SB   AVG   OBP    SLG   OPS

63  206   39   65    96   13     3     4    28   19   43    5    .316   .373   .466  .839

Originally drafted by the Padres in the 32nd round of the 2017 draft, Batten is having a career year in his first go-around in the hitter-friendly league with a line of .316/.373/.466. He might not have the highest of ceilings in comparison to others in this deep system, but is proving worthy of a glimpse as a Utility man at the least someday.

OF – Jose Pirela   EL Paso Chihuahuas

G     AB     R     H     TB    2B   3B  HR  RBI  BB  SO  SB   AVG   OBP   SLG   OPS

39  155   33   53   104  10    1    13    43   11  41   0    .342  .388   .671  1.059

Just last year, Pirela was being considered a possible piece to the future of this franchise. What a difference a year makes. Having nothing left to really prove in the minors, Pirela is slashing .342/.388/.671 with 13 home runs and 43 RBI in just 38 minor league games with EL Paso. However, his time with the organization could be coming to an end soon, especially with younger players having a similar skill set.