At the end of each season, Major League clubs hold instructional league play, commonly known as instructs, an extended mini-camp that allows Minor Leaguers -- particularly those just starting their pro careers at the lower levels of their team's system -- to get some work in before calling it a year. Players work on specific parts of their game and get offseason workout plans while often playing a handful of games against nearby teams to provide low-key competition to put what they are working on into practice.
Instructional league rosters
The Padres' instructional league is running from Sept. 5-27 this year. Here's a look at the roster, with the players' rank in the team's Top 30 Prospects list in parentheses:
PITCHERS: Alexuan Vega, LHP; Andres Munoz, RHP (No. 22); Carlos Belen, RHP; Carlos Guarate, RHP; Cole Bellinger, RHP; Dauris Valdez, RHP; Dylan Coleman, RHP (No. 26); Efrain Contreras, RHP; Frank Lopez, RHP; Gabriel Morales, LHP; Henry Henry, RHP; Jake Sims, RHP; Jean Cosme, RHP; Jefferson Garcia, RHP; Joey Cantillo, LHP; Luarbert Arias, RHP; Luis Patino, RHP (No. 12);
Manny Guzman, RHP; Mason Thompson, RHP; Mauricio Rodriguez, RHP; Michell Miliano, RHP; Miguel Rondon, RHP; Nick Thwaits, RHP; Noel Vela, LHP; Omar Cruz, LHP; Ramon Perez, HP;
Ryan Weathers, LHP (No. 9; MLB No. 99); Sam Keating, RHP
CATCHERS: Luis Campusano (No. 24); Nick Gatewood; Jonny Homza; Blake Hunt; Alison Quintero; Brandon Valenzuela; Gilberto Vizcarra
• Padres prospects finish instructs at On Deck Classic
INFIELDERS: Luis Almanzar; Charlis Aquino; Gabriel Arias (No. 20); Jordy Barley; Olivier Basabe; Jarryd Dale; Xavier Edwards (No. 18); Sean Guilbe; Yerry Landinez; Justin Lopez; Carlos Luis; Tucupita Marcano; Kelvin Melean; Owen Miller (No. 30); Eguy Rosario; Esteury Ruiz (No. 17); Michael Suarez
OUTFIELDERS: Tre Carter; Jawuan Harris; Cristian Heredia; Mason House; Grant Little (No. 27); Jeisson Rosario (No. 19); Agustin Ruiz; Payton Smith; Angel Solarte; Dwanya Williams-Sutton
ADVANCED GROUP: Michel Baez, RHP (No. 7; MLB No. 60); Tom Cosgrove, LHP; Osvaldo Hernandez, LHP; Reggie Lawson, RHP (No. 21); Aaron Leasher, LHP; Edward Olivares, OF (No. 28); Jorge Ona, OF; Hansel Rodriguez, RHP; Jesse Scholtens, RHP
SCHEDULE
Wed., Sept. 19 - at Brewers
Thu., Sept. 20 - at Rangers
Fri., Sept. 21 - vs. Brewers
Sat., Sept. 22 - at Rangers
Mon., Sept. 24 - Camp day
Tue., Sept. 25 - at Dodgers
Wed., Sept. 26 - Camp day
Thu., Sept. 27 - vs. Rangers (at Petco Park)