Nick

Schmidt

Schmidt was a first-round pick of the Padres in 2007 but has posted some pretty underwhelming numbers in his minor league career. He did post a 3.84 ERA over 12 starts for High-A Lake Elsinore in 2011, but note that he was old for the league at 25 (he’s now 26). He’ll likely be assigned to Double-A Tulsa.

The 28-year-old southpaw was the first round selection of the Padres in the 2007 draft, and was shipped to Colorado in 2011 as part of the Huston Street trade. He struggled through 37 appearances at Triple-A Colorado Springs in 2013, compiling a 4.71 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 72/38 K/BB ratio in 91 2/3 innings.

Schmidt, the 23rd overall pick, will miss the entire 2008 season while he recovers from the procedure.

Schmidt went in the top 10 in some mock drafts, but he’s not a big upside guy. A 6-foot-5 left-hander, he projects as a durable middle-of-the-rotation starter. He averages 88-90 mph with his fastball and has a quality change. Walks will hurt him on occasion, but he immediately becomes a decent fantasy prospect with Petco on his side. Expect to see him in the majors before the end of 2008.

Schmidt is struggling to return from Tommy John surgery. He had a 5.94 ERA in four starts last month before going on the DL with elbow inflammation.

“He’s showing an easy, clean delivery, pretty efficient, pretty good strikes,” director of scouting and player development Grady Fuson said. “He’s been around 87 (mph).” Schmidt figures to open next year in high-A or Double-A.

Schmidt, a 2007 first-round pick, is on the way back after missing all of last season following Tommy John surgery. He’ll open this season in high-A ball or Double-A.