Padres prospect update: MLB-ready arm improves, Tirso Ornelas makes Friars regret passing on him

Even though the San Diego Padres traded away almost all of their young prospects, there are still players in the minor leagues to keep an eye on. With Triple-A El Paso, there are two players who are itching to get back to the major leagues after a short stint in 2025.

A pair of Padres Top 30 prospects, No. 6 Bradgley Rodriguez, a right-handed pitcher, and No. 11 Tirso Ornelas, an outfielder, have both found recent success that should have the Friars front office reconsider a promotion back to San Diego.

Padres' Bradgley Rodriguez, Tirso Ornelas might be ready for second MLB stint in 2025

Rodriguez has been on a rollercoaster ride this year. Called up to San Diego in late June, he was on the big league roster for three days before getting sent back down. Rodriguez recorded five outs, all without allowing a run, but he was demoted to Triple-A, where he has remained.

Rodriguez then hit the injured list, missing almost two months. But since his return to El Paso, Rodriguez has looked to form. Showcasing his full pitch ability, Rodriguez has recorded two strikeouts in two scoreless relief appearances, which extends his scoreless streak to six outings.

Is Rodriguez due for a September call-up? He is definitely trending in the right direction.

It probably didn't feel good for Tirso Ornelas when he learned that the Padres promoted infielder Will Wagner over himself. Jackson Merrill, an outfielder, hit the injured list for the Padres, so it made some sense for him to be replaced by someone who plays his position.

They went with Wagner instead, but Ornelas is making San Diego's decision hurt. He's gone deep in two straight games, totaling nine bases over this span to bring his Triple-A OPS to .834. Ornelas logged 14 at-bats with San Diego this year, picking up just one hit before his demotion to Triple-A.

Is Ornelas another guy to keep an eye out for as September call-ups commence? It's justifiable to say that he deserves a second chance in the bigs.

While we're on the subject of Triple-A baseball, the entire El Paso starting lineup deserves some props. On Sunday, El Paso defeated Sacramento, 16-5 thanks to all nine batters. Each hitter logged at least one hit, led by four from Yonathan Perlaza. The Chihuahas also saw two hits apiece from Clay Dungan, Tirso Ornelas, Luis Campusano, Nate Mondou, and Rodolfo Durán.

Padres minor league schedule: August 26-31

Triple-A El Paso (69-56): Six-game home series vs. Tacoma (Mariners)

Double-A San Antonio (58-62): Six-game road series at Frisco (Rangers)

High-A Fort Wayne (55-64): Six-game home series vs. Dayton (Reds)

Single-A Lake Elsinore (52-68): Six-game home series vs. Rancho Cucamonga (Dodgers)