Stephen Kolek has been a standout pitcher for the San Diego Padres this season, securing his place solidly in the team’s rotation. In his recent start against the Milwaukee Brewers, he delivered an impressive performance, working 5 2/3 innings of shutout baseball. Kolek only conceded three hits and four walks while striking out two, solidifying his reputation as a reliable starter.
Since being called up from Triple-A El Paso on May 4, the 28-year-old right-hander, acquired from Seattle during the 2023 Rule 5 draft, has been exceptional. Over his last two games, he has pitched 11 1/3 innings without allowing a run, maintaining a low earned run average of 3.00. Throughout his tenure with the Padres thus far, he has recorded a solid 6–1 record, with an overall ERA of 4.16 and a WHIP of 1.387 from 49 career appearances.
In addition to Kolek’s achievements, Manny Machado made headlines over the weekend, enjoying a productive game that brought him closer to the 2,000-hit milestone. With 1,975 hits to date, Machado’s recent performance has also included reaching the 350-home run mark, a milestone he achieved on Thursday. His active hitting streak has seen him bat .476 in the last five games, showcasing his prowess at the plate.
Pitcher Jeremiah Estrada faced challenges on Saturday, giving up two hits and an unearned run, leading to a blown save. However, he has been effective recently, with seven consecutive appearances without an earned run, which has helped reduce his ERA to 2.17.
On the minor league front, other notable performances included Victor Lizarraga from Double-A San Antonio, who secured a win, and various prospects contributing positively across different levels of the organization.
This consistent performance from players such as Kolek and Machado gives Padres fans hope as the season progresses, highlighting the promising talent within the organization. As they strive toward the postseason, both veteran and emerging players play crucial roles in boosting the team’s prospects for success.