Valenzuela joined the San Antonio Missions when he was promoted on June 27. Merrill and Castanon both made their Missions debuts on Friday night at Wolff Stadium.
Valenzuela had the big hit – a two-run homer in the second inning that made it 3-0 – as the Missions beat the Northwest Arkansas Naturals 4-2. It was his first home run since joining the Missions.
Korry Howell also hit his first home run of the season with a solo shot in the fourth inning that made it 4-0.
Merrill made a quick impact with a triple in his first at-bat. He scored the Missions’ first run of the game later in the first inning on a double by Juan Fernandez.
Castanon had a double and a walk.
The two newest Missions were next to each other on the infield with Castanon starting at third base and Merrill at shortstop.
Merrill is the No. 1 prospect in the San Diego Padres organization. He played in 68 games for the Fort Wayne TinCaps in high Class A and batted .280 with 10 home runs and 33 RBIs. Castanon played 77 games for the TinCaps and batted .287 with 13 home runs and 58 RBIs.
Missions starting pitcher Jose Espada went four innings and did not allow a run. Raul Brito was the first pitcher out of the Missions bullpen and turned in 2 1/3 scoreless innings to earn the win. Jose Quezada got the save.
Manager Luke Montz was not with the team. Bench coach Felipe Blanco, who typically coaches first base, was coaching third base and running the team.
