Padres' affiliates ready to open seasons

SAN DIEGO -- The Padres' top four Minor League affiliates get their seasons underway on Thursday.

Triple-A El Paso begins the Pacific Coast League season on the road against Reno. The starting rotation for the Chihuahuas is Juan Oramas, Keyvius Sampson, Jason Lane, Burch Smith and Brandon Kloess.

Double-A San Antonio of the Texas League is on the road in Springfield, Mo. The Missions will use a six-man rotation, with Matt Wisler and Jesse Hahn piggybacking each other followed by Josh Geer, Devin Jones, Justin Hancock and James Needy.

Class A Advanced Lake Elsinore of the California League opens the season Thursday in Lancaster. The starting rotation will be Joe Ross, Zach Eflin, Colin Rea, Ruben Mejia and Bryan Rodriguez.

Class A Fort Wayne of the Midwest League is the only Padres' affiliate to open at home. The TinCaps will face Great Lakes. The TinCaps will also use a six-man rotation with Walker Weickel, Payton Baskette, Pete Kelich, Yimmi Brasoban, Walker Lockett and Adrian DeHorta.