Padres prospect report: Knehr's scoreless streak ends, Brooks stays hot, Single-A studs

Maybe, just maybe, Reiss Knehr will be called up to the big leagues. The 28-year-old right-handed pitcher has almost been forgotten about by the San Diego Padres despite a strong resume with Triple-A El Paso following Tommy John surgery.

This season, Knehr has a WHIP under 1.000 out of the bullpen with the Chihuahuas, striking out two-dozen batters in 16 2/3 frames. He was carrying a scoreless streak fron May 3-20, spanning eight appearances, before allowing a run on May 21. Knehr has a 2.70 ERA this year, but has not pitched since that game.

Staying in El Paso, 29-year-old Trenton Brooks has been on fire this season. He's batting .297 with nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and a .944 OPS. His RBIs and OPS are each in the Top 10 in the Pacific Coast League this season.

Brooks has 15 hits and seven walks across his last 10 games, driving in five runs, making him one of the hottest minor leaguers across all Padres affiliates.

Down in Single-A at Lake Elsinore, two 22-year-old bats have been red-hot. Zach Evans (infield) and Kavares Tears (outfield/DH) are each hitting over .300 this season with 33 and 32 RBIs, respectively, which is good for spots in the Top 10 across the California League.

Tears is the Padres' No. 7 overall prospect following a monster 2024 season at the University of Tennessee, where he won the NCAA College World Series championship with another top prospect, Christian Moore (Angels).

Evans is a bit more under-the-radar, as he is not listed within San Diego's Top 30 prospects. His 11 doubles and 13 overall extra-base hits are towards the top of the league, so he will be a player to monitor as he continues to develop.

Padres minor league schedule: June 2-8

Triple-A El Paso (29-28): Six-game home series against Albuquerque (Rockies)

Double-A San Antonio (28-23): Six-game home series against Midland (Athletics)

High-A Fort Wayne (25-26): Six-game road series at Beloit (Marlins)

Single-A Lake Elsinore (24-27): Six-game road series at Modesto (Mariners)