Chihuahuas Opening Day Roster Filled with Prospects

The El Paso Chihuahuas released their Opening Day roster and they include 11 returnees, 9 players with MLB experience, and five of the San Diego Padres' Top 30 prospects according to MLB.com.

"As we kick off the sixth season of Chihuahuas baseball, we are once again reminded of the strength of the Padres and their number one farm system," said Chihuahuas Senior Vice President and General Manager Brad Taylor in the team's official release. "We should have another talent-laden roster as we begin the 2019 season, giving our fans the best chance to see top-level talent here in El Paso."

The Padres organization's top prospects include: infielder Luis Urias (#3), starting pitcher Logan Allen (#9), first baseman/outfielder Josh Naylor (#11), starting pitcher Cal Quantrill (#12), and catcher Austin Allen (#20). All five have opportunities to play in San Diego this season, since the Padres are not afraid to challenge their young talent. In fact, shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. and starting pitchers Chris Paddack and Nick Margevicius broke camp with San Diego.

If you a closer look at the Chihuahuas, their starting rotation could feature Dillon Overton, Jerry Keel, and Dietrich Enns joining Allen and Quantrill. Overton and Keel both pitched for the Chihuahuas last season while Enns pitched with the Twins organization last season. Bryan Mitchell cleared waivers today and was sent to El Paso. The bullpen will be anchored by Brad Wieck, Eric Yardley, and hard-throwing Gerardo Reyes.

As for El Paso's positional players, 12-year big league veteran Chris Stewart joins Allen behind the plate. Minor league veteran Aderlin Rodriguez, who hit 23 home runs with Bowie (Orioles Double-A) projects to be the team's starting first baseman, with Urias and Padres veteran Jose Pirela alternating at second base. Urias will also play shortstop with Esteban Quiroz. Ty France will be back at third base and should provide plenty of power for the Chihuahuas. The outfield consists of Naylor in left, 23-year old Michael Gettys in center, and former Dodgers prospect Jacob Scavuzzo in right. Pirela will also see time in the outfield.