\n\tWhile the San Diego Padres’ offense finally began to find its footing in July, several of the organization’s best offensive performances came in the minors. Despite this being labeled one of the lower-tier farm systems in the league, multiple hitters strengthened their cases to become future reinforcements as the team looks to climb back into the National League wild-card picture.\n<\/p>\n
\tRanking Padres’ Best Minor League Hitters In July<\/p>\n
\t#3 Ethan Salas<\/a> (Double-A San Antonio Missions | Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas)<\/p>\n \n\tAfter an oblique injury limited him in June, Salas bounced back into form with an elite July. He hit .344\/.449\/.469 with a .918 OPS, earning a late-month promotion to Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas.\n<\/p>\n \n\tWhile Salas has long been known for his power, July showcased other areas of his game. Despite not hitting a home run for the second consecutive month, after hitting seven through the first two months of the season, he continued to make himself valuable. Salas has already stolen a career-high 14 bases this season, and he wasted little time adjusting to the increase in talent at Triple-A, going 3-4 with a triple in his debut. Through his first five games with El Paso, he hit .333 with six hits and five RBIs, showcasing that he can adapt quickly to tougher competition.\n<\/p>\n \t#2 Blake Hunt<\/a> (Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas)<\/p>\n \n\tFollowing a brief stint with the major league club near the end of June, Hunt returned to El Paso and picked up where he left off. In July, he hit .321\/.403\/.643 with a 1.046 OPS, while recording 18 hits, 12 runs, 15 RBIs and even showcased some speed by hitting his first triple of the season.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n \n\tBut his stellar month was highlighted by his power, in which he led the team with five home runs. Hunt\u2019s biggest stretch came during the team’s four-game series against the Las Vegas Aviators, where he hit three home runs, including a multi-home run game in the series finale. His combination of power and consistent run production made him one of the hottest hitters in the organization during July and strengthened him as one of the Padres’ top catching depth options.\n<\/p>\n