Padres' Pitching Prospect Leaves Triple-A Start Early

The El Paso Chihuahuas dropped their fifth consecutive game in Sacramento on Sunday. The 4-0 loss was the first time San Diego's Triple-A affiliate had been shut out since the 2022 season.

A lowlight from the contest involved starting pitcher Nolan Watson who got a visit from the trainer after the first batter. He finished the inning but didn't return for the second.

Watson is currently leading the Pacific Coast League in wins with three.

The 27-year-old was originally selected by the Kansas City Royals in the first round, No. 33 overall, of the 2015 draft and signed a minor league contract with the Padres on Feb. 14, 2022.

According to Baseball America's draft report on Watson, he sat around 85-88 mph while scouts and recruiters were watching him in high school. He is currently hovering around 96 mph.

His arsenal includes a slider and a changeup to complement his fastball and was committed to baseball powerhouse Vanderbilt before forgoing college to sign a rookie contract with the Royals.

Throughout his career, the former first-rounder has averaged less than seven strikeouts per nine innings. However, he has seen his strikeouts improve tremendously striking out 17 batters in 16 2/3 innings.

He has yet to make his major league debut and has a career minor league record of 31-52 with an earned run average of 6.06. He has appeared in 169 games, started 129, and saved one.

Through four games this season, he is 3-1 with a 4.32 ERA in four starts.