Ornelas looking to seize spring opportunity in Padres camp

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Tirso Ornelas was enjoying his All-Star break in Guadalajara last summer, when he got the call he¡¯d been waiting on for years. Triple-A manager Pete Zamora was on the other end.

In each of the previous three offseasons, Ornelas had been Rule 5 Draft-eligible, and in each of the three previous winters, he was left off the roster and unprotected. He had an upcoming out in his contract if he weren¡¯t added. Finally, the phone rang.

It wasn¡¯t the call. Ornelas, in the midst of his finest Minor League season to date, wasn¡¯t headed to the big leagues just yet. But the Padres had, at last, made the decision to add him to their 40-man roster -- meaning Ornelas was squarely in their future plans.

¡°It was a special moment,¡± Ornelas said through interpreter Danny Sanchez. ¡°It was kind of a payoff for all the hard work that I¡¯ve put in. I¡¯ve had good seasons. I¡¯ve had maybe some down seasons. So, for me, that was confirmation for me that good things are to come.

¡°But I think, while that was a special moment, getting added to the 40-man roster, I think making my debut in San Diego is going to be an even more special moment.¡±

Entering his ninth season with the organization, Ornelas, ranked as the Padres¡¯ No. 18 prospect by MLB Pipeline, has never been closer to that goal. He¡¯s in camp fighting for a roster spot -- and is making a strong early case. Through four Cactus League games, Ornelas has reached base six times in 11 plate appearances, including a homer, two doubles and two walks.

Ornelas¡¯ path to a roster spot is still somewhat cloudy. The Padres have a large group of candidates vying for only two non-catcher bench spots. With the tandem of Connor Joe and Jason Heyward set to anchor left field, it¡¯s most likely Ornelas would open the year at Triple-A. Still, he¡¯ll get a chance to prove himself this spring. At the very least, he could set himself up for an early-season callup.

¡°People rave in this organization ¡­ guys that have had him in player development, just about his growth, where he¡¯s come from, how hard he¡¯s worked, how every year he¡¯s put a new piece to his game,¡± manager Mike Shildt said. ¡°He clearly works hard, a tremendous young man. I¡¯m really happy for Tirso. He¡¯s a work in progress and a self-made player. I¡¯m glad he¡¯s getting the opportunity to see what he can do.¡±

Indeed, the Padres are keenly aware of Ornelas¡¯ growth. He signed out of nearby Tijuana in 2017 and is now the organization¡¯s fourth-longest tenured player (behind Fernando Tatis Jr., Adrian Morejon and Eguy Rosario). Ornelas is the only one of that group yet to make a big league breakthrough.

As Ornelas acknowledged, his path has not been straightforward. He was a highly regarded prospect for much of his career but largely struggled to live up to those expectations. He¡¯s had strong years in the Minors. He¡¯s also had disappointing ones.

Ornelas¡¯ response to those struggles was to play through them. And play a lot. In the past three years, Ornelas has twice spent winters playing in Mexico and once spent autumn in the Arizona Fall League. This offseason, Ornelas played for Charros de Jalisco, the eventual Mexican Winter League champs. He touted his experience there as a crucial part of his development.

Ornelas posted an .890 OPS in 48 games with Jalisco after notching an .864 mark with a career-high 23 home runs for Triple-A El Paso. He has always boasted excellent plate discipline. But Ornelas is a hulking 6-foot-3, and the Padres always envisioned a bit more power. Last year¡¯s surge, Ornelas said, was the result of swing tweaks to get the ball in the air more.

¡°I¡¯ve always seen myself as a complete hitter. But a lot of the preparation and the work I¡¯ve done has been on getting the ball in the air more ¡­ hitting line drives. That¡¯s really allowed me to tap into the power. So I think I¡¯ve always had it in me. I think that¡¯s really allowed me to tap into the power.¡±

If Ornelas continues to blend that power and patience, he might soon get that other phone call he¡¯s been waiting for. Until then, he¡¯ll just keep playing, as he always has.

¡°I¡¯m super grateful and appreciative to the organization for the opportunity,¡± Ornelas said. ¡°I¡¯m ready to go out there and give my 100 percent -- whatever they need from me.¡±