Ornelas' debut amplifies Mexico-to-San Diego talent pipeline

HOUSTON -- A flyout to left field might not mean much to the average Major Leaguer, but for Tirso Ornelas, this one was memorable.

Called up by the Padres on Saturday after outfielder Jason Heyward was put on the 10-day injured list, Ornelas completed an eight-year journey to the Majors when he pinch-hit in the seventh inning of San Diego’s 3-2 loss to the Astros at Daikin Park.

The at-bat did not end ideally, as Yordan Alvarez recorded the putout, but nothing could really spoil the moment.

“I was nervous. It was my first at-bat in the Majors. It was an incredible feeling,” Ornelas said through an interpreter. “In terms of that at-bat, I was just looking for a pitch that I could handle. I know [Astros reliever Tayler Scott] had a lot of movement on his fastball. So he got the best of me, but I’m sure I’ll be ready for tomorrow.”

Born just south of San Diego in Tijuana, Ornelas became the 28th player born in Mexico to play for the Padres. That’s the most in MLB history, eight more than the Dodgers and Pirates.

Though the distance from Tijuana to San Diego is short, Ornelas’ journey was a long one.

Signed by the Padres as a 17-year-old on March 31, 2017, Ornelas steadily rose up the ranks from Rookie ball, making it to High-A Fort Wayne in 2021 and Double-A San Antonio in 2022, a year that also included three games with Triple-A El Paso. He split 2023 between San Antonio and El Paso, posting an overall OPS of .823 and 15 home runs in 127 total games.

A year ago, Ornela totaled 23 home runs and 89 RBIs with El Paso, with a slash line of .297/.367/.497 in 128 games. He was getting on base at a .418 clip in 17 games for the Chihuahuas this year, hitting .281 with 13 walks.

Now 25, Ornelas is ranked by MLB Pipeline as the Padres’ No. 11 prospect. He was in Albuquerque with the Chihuahuas when told Friday night that he would be called up. He said he was penciled in to start Saturday’s game, but his flight schedule was met with multiple delays.

“Everything went wrong in Albuquerque,” said Ornelas, who was accompanied to Houston by his girlfriend. “I got [to the airport] at 6 a.m., but I stayed there until 1 p.m., when I was finally able to board a flight.

“I had a long night. I learned yesterday that I was going to be in the Majors today. So I went to sleep late, ended up packing. I got up early to be at the airport. Once we were there and figured there were a couple delays, we just put a couple of jackets on the floor. We slept there. … I was finally able to get something to eat before I boarded. They switched planes for me, and I was finally able to make it here.”

Padres manager Mike Shildt said Ornelas didn’t arrive at the ballpark until about 4:50 p.m. -- 80 minutes before first pitch.

“Honestly, it’s been just a crazy day,” Ornelas said.

The delays enabled Ornelas’ mother and brother to beat him to Houston.

“It was great to share that moment with them,” said Ornelas.

His path to the Majors is one to admire, according to Shildt.

“He’s really a self-made player and fought his way to get here with not any clear path or any birthright, so really happy for him,” Shildt said. “And he’s in the books. He’s one of 23,000-plus that have done this, and that’s a really impressive feat.”

Heyward’s injury is just the latest in a series for the Padres’ outfield. Starting center fielder Jackson Merrill, on the injured list since April 8 with a right hamstring strain, is still ramping up his baseball activities. Merrill’s initial replacement, Brandon Lockridge, went on the IL on Monday with a left hamstring strain.

Ornelas has primarily been a left fielder in the Minors but has played all three outfield positions. Out of necessity, he’ll see some duty in center with the Padres. That’s where he played Saturday after staying in the game.

“Center field’s not his ideal position,” Shildt said, “but we’re dealing with some guys that have been down that play that position. He’s just a really smart, high-baseball-IQ guy who will fit and can help us win games on the margins with his mind.”

Ornelas’ spot came up with two outs in the ninth Saturday and the tying run at second. Shildt opted for a pinch-hitter. Yuli Gurriel faced Astros closer Josh Hader, who induced a game-ending fly ball to right.

Thus, Ornelas’ first Major League hit will have to wait. But what’s one more delay?