Padres Prospect Report: Jesus A. Castro Continues Breakout Season, Germán Márquez Earns Win in Rehab Outing
Several players selected in the 2025 draft played key roles in helping Low-A Lake Elsinore secure the California League first-half title this week, but strong pitching performances from emerging arms have also fueled the Storm’s success.
One standout has been 19-year-old right-hander Jesus A. Castro, who continues to impress despite making a significant leap in competition. While he wasn’t at his sharpest in Wednesday’s 7-5 victory, Castro owns a solid 3.00 ERA through 11 starts for Lake Elsinore.
After posting a 2.91 ERA with 46 strikeouts in 43⅓ innings during his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League last season, Castro bypassed the Arizona Complex League and jumped directly to Low-A. So far, he has handled the challenge well.
Across 48 innings, Castro has recorded 56 strikeouts against 17 walks while limiting opponents to a .265 batting average. He allowed three earned runs over five innings in a no-decision on Wednesday, but entered the outing riding a dominant stretch. In his previous start, he struck out a career-best 12 batters across 4⅔ scoreless innings, and he opened June with 17 strikeouts, four walks, and just six hits allowed over 9⅔ scoreless frames.
The younger brother of Double-A San Antonio reliever Manuel Castro, Jesus signed out of Mexico for $10,000 after being identified by Padres scouting supervisor Bill McLaughlin. His arsenal features a fastball that sits between 90 and 94 mph, complemented by a sweeping slider and a developing changeup.
At the plate, left fielder Qrey Lott contributed two hits, including his fifth home run, and drove in three runs. Third baseman Dawson Willis made an immediate impact after being promoted from the Arizona Complex League, collecting three hits, including two doubles, and driving in three runs. The 22-year-old undrafted free agent entered the game after hitting .300 with four home runs and a 1.600 OPS in 16 ACL contests.
Wednesday’s Minor League Results
Triple-A El Paso (33-38)
El Paso defeated Reno 9-6 behind a strong rehab outing from right-hander Germán Márquez, who improved to 1-0 with a 1.76 ERA. Márquez surrendered three runs on five hits and three walks over five innings while striking out three in his fourth rehabilitation start as he works back from forearm inflammation.
Reliever Alek Jacob tossed two scoreless innings and recorded his fourth save. Mason McCoy homered for the seventh time this season, while Anthony Vilar added his third home run. Carlos Rodriguez collected two hits and two RBIs, and Bryce Johnson returned from the majors with a productive game that included a double, two RBIs, a walk, a stolen base, and a run scored.
Double-A San Antonio (28-37)
Game 1: Missions 4, Corpus Christi 3 (7 innings)
Tirso Ornelas powered the offense with a three-run homer, his seventh of the year. Ethan Salas reached base three times via walks and scored twice. Starter Eric Yost earned the win after allowing three runs over 6⅔ innings, while Josh Mallitz closed out the game for his third save.
Game 2: Corpus Christi 7, Missions 4
Braedon Karpathios drove in two runs with his fifth home run, while Francisco Acuña went 2-for-3, hitting both a home run and a triple. Ornelas added two hits, including a double. Starting pitcher Miguel Mendez struck out five batters but allowed two runs in three innings.
High-A Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne’s game against South Bend was postponed due to rain and will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Thursday.
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