Jose Iglesias's clutch hit lifts Padres over Royals 3-2 on June 22, 2025. Dylan Cease shines as the team DFAs Jason Heyward. Recap the win & roster news.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
What a difference a weekend makes! After a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday, the San Diego Padres are riding a two-game winning streak and carrying some much-needed momentum into a new week. It wasn't just a win; it was a dramatic, late-game triumph secured by the most unlikely of heroes, setting the stage for a crucial homestand against the Washington Nationals.
The Jason Heyward experiment officially came to an end, with the veteran outfielder posting a tough .494 OPS before being designated for assignment.
Just when it looked like the Padres might squander another quality start, Jose Iglesias stepped up. The veteran infielder delivered the game-tying and game-winning runs on Sunday, single-handedly lifting the Friars to a 3-2 victory and a series win against the Royals. The clutch performance backed up another solid outing from Dylan Cease, who went 6.2 innings, allowing just one run while striking out four. With the win, the Padres improved to 42-35, keeping pace in a tight NL West race.
While the team celebrated on the field, the front office was making moves. The Padres designated veteran outfielder Jason Heyward for assignment, a tough but necessary decision. Heyward, who had been on the injured list twice with a strained oblique, simply couldn't find his rhythm at the plate, struggling to a .494 OPS. The move made room for right-hander Bryan Hoeing to be activated from the 60-day IL, while reliever Sean Reynolds was optioned to Triple-A El Paso. It’s a clear signal that the team is prioritizing production over veteran presence as they push for a playoff spot.
The action doesn't stop, as the Padres open a three-game set against the Washington Nationals tonight at Petco Park. Right-hander Sixto Kolek (3-2, 3.59 ERA) gets the ball for San Diego, facing off against lefty Mitchell Parker (4-8, 4.59 ERA). As the big-league club battles, the future continues to develop down on the farm. Baseball America's latest update still pegs shortstop Leo De Vries and catcher Ethan Salas as elite, top-tier prospects. While the system is described as 'top-heavy,' consistent hitters like Romeo Sanabria and the recent MLB debut of Ryan Bergert show there are still intriguing players working their way up.
The Padres have a prime opportunity to build on their momentum against a struggling Nationals team. With a mix of veteran heroics, tough roster decisions, and a promising (if top-heavy) farm system, the team is navigating the marathon of the season. All eyes are on Petco Park tonight to see if Sixto Kolek and the Friars can keep the good times rolling.
