Despite losing several top prospects, the 'Caps still have several highly touted prospects. At the top of the list is star catcher Ethan Salas. He is joined by four other top-30 prospects, including three pitchers.
The TinCaps ranks second in the Midwest League in caught stealing percentage, largely due to Salas. The 18-year-old spearheads the catching group and was voted the best defensive catcher by a survey of Midwest League managers. While Salas has struggled offensively this year, there is plenty of hope for Padres fans. He's shown high-level athleticism out of the catcher position and taking better at-bats.
Salas' offensive production has taken a jump recently. The catcher extended his current on-base streak to 18 games against Peoria on Wednesday night, the highest mark of his career, before snapping it in game two of the doubleheader. While not showing off a ton of home run power, he only has four home runs this year; Salas ranks third in the MWL with 24 doubles. His ability to drive the ball gap-to-gap and be a plus baserunner as the youngest player in the MWL should have Padres fans excited about his flashes.
Another top Padres prospect, and the only other top 10 prospect on the TinCaps roster, is pitcher Isaiah Lowe (No. 8 Padres prospect). Lowe struggled with injuries a bit last year, and his shoulder problems caused him to miss some time. The righty has been healthy this season, totaling 72 innings for the Lake Elsinore Storm. A promotion at the end of July gave Lowe five starts with the TinCaps.
In his 19.1 innings, he has shown flashes of excellence. Lowe's outing last week against Peoria, in particular, was a six-inning gem. With a final stat line of two hits, six strikeouts, three walks, and no runs, Lowe is already showing an ability to settle in and give good quality starts. While showing some definite good signs, an early issue has been command. A 1:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio certainly leaves him room for improvement. However, getting settled in should help Lowe significantly.
The top left-handed pitching prospect in Fort Wayne, Jagger Haynes (No. 21 Padres prospect), has been a staple of the TinCaps rotation. Haynes has started 20 games for the 'Caps and has an ERA of 4.09 in 101.1 innings thrown.
In his 101.1 innings, Haynes is excelling in limiting hits. With opponents hitting just .217 against Haynes, it is a definite good sign for Padres fans to see him getting outs. The young lefty has also excelled in striking batters out. Haynes is averaging 9.15 strikeouts per nine innings this year for the TinCaps.
The downside to Haynes this year is walking. Haynes has not succeeded in limiting baserunners, and that has hurt him on his lesser outings. Sporting a WHIP of 1.35, with 59 free passes, base runners are common for Haynes.
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