Romak, Magill, and Lamet Shining Early for Chihuahuas

Although the El Paso Chihuahuas begin play tonight with a record of 12-14 in the Pacific Southern Division, the team has had a few bright spots. Veteran infielder Jamie Romak is off to a scorching start offensively, and he was named today the Pacific Coast League Player of the Month. Romak hit .372 in April with 11 home runs, 19 extra base hits, an .860 slugging percentage, and 1.274 OPS. If he continues this torrid pace, the Padres will not hesitate to bring Romak back to the big leagues.

Meanwhile, a pair of starting pitchers are making their cases for a promotion to San Diego. Matt Magill and Dinelson Lamet have both been dominant on the mound for the Chihuahuas, and they could force the major league club to make some changes soon. Magill is off the best start of his professional career, with a record of 2-1 and an ERA of 1.55 in five starts this season. The 27-year old righthander broke into the majors in 2013 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he still seeking his first big league win. Lamet, also has a 2-1 record with a 2.52 ERA in five starts. The 24-year old Dominican native had a microscopic ERA of 0.45 through his first four starts before giving up six earned runs against Salt Lake City.

The Padres spent the offseason rebuilding their starting rotation with veteran big league pitchers. Jhoulys Chacin currently has a 5.82 ERA in six starts and he might be in trouble of keeping his rotation spot if his numbers do not improve. Magill might get first crack at San Diego because he has pitched in the Major Leagues on two previous occasions and the Padres might want to give Lamet more seasoning in El Paso before the big promotion. Injuries can alter the plans of any organization, but so far the Padres have not had to make any roster moves yet. Jarred Cosart is currently on the 10-day DL with a hamstring strain and he is the sixth starting pitcher that the Padres are carrying on their big league roster.

The Padres are currently in fourth place in the NL West with a record of 12-16 but they are just three games out of first place. If the team can stay in the race, it will be interesting to see when guys like Magill, Lamet, and Romak get their chance to contribute in San Diego like they have with the Chihuahuas.