Padres Minor Leaguers Shine in Double-A Debuts

Castanon, Yost, and Hawkins impress in early games for San Antonio Missions

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:26am

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Several top prospects in the San Diego Padres minor league system had strong performances in their first games at the Double-A level for the San Antonio Missions. Infielder Marcos Castanon hit two home runs, while pitchers Eric Yost and Garrett Hawkins combined for a victory on the mound.

Why it matters

The Padres have high hopes for their farm system, which is stocked with talented young players who could contribute to the major league club in the coming years. Strong debuts at the Double-A level are an encouraging sign for the future of the organization.

The details

Marcos Castanon, a 23-year-old infielder, hit two home runs in his first game with the San Antonio Missions, San Diego's Double-A affiliate. Meanwhile, pitchers Eric Yost and Garrett Hawkins teamed up to lead the Missions to a victory, with Yost starting the game and Hawkins coming in to finish it.

  • The games took place on March 15, 2026, the opening day of the Double-A season.

The players

Marcos Castanon

A 23-year-old infielder in the San Diego Padres minor league system who hit two home runs in his Double-A debut for the San Antonio Missions.

Eric Yost

A pitching prospect in the Padres organization who started the game for the San Antonio Missions and contributed to their opening day victory.

Garrett Hawkins

A Padres pitching prospect who came in to finish the game for the San Antonio Missions, helping the team to a win on opening day of the Double-A season.

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The takeaway

The strong performances by Castanon, Yost, and Hawkins in their Double-A debuts are an encouraging sign for the future of the Padres' farm system, which is stocked with talented young players who could contribute to the major league club in the coming years.