(Press Release Courtesy of the San Diego Padres Media Department)

SAN DIEGO – The San Diego Padres announced today that the club has agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Joe Ross, selected in the first round, right-handed pitcher Michael Kelly, selected in the compensation round and catcher Austin Hedges, selected in the second round.  In addition, the Padres also agreed to terms with their 14th-round selection, right-handed pitcher Burch Smith. Executive Vice President/General Manager Jed Hoyer made the announcements.

Ross, 18, was selected 25^th overall in the first round by the Padres.  The right-hander was selected out of Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, Calif., where he posted a 0.83 ERA and 95 strikeouts over 67.2 innings during his senior campaign.  Recommended by Padres amateur scout Noah Jackson, he is the younger brother of Oakland Athletics right-handed pitcher Tyson Ross.

Kelly, 18, was selected 48^th overall in the compensation round (for right-handed pitcher Jon Garland).  He was selected out of West Boca Community High School (FL).  Recommended by Padres amateur scout Willie Bosque, the right-hander played in the 2010 Aflac All-American Baseball Classic at PETCO Park.

Hedges, 18, was the Padres’ second-round selection out of Junipero Serra High School in San Juan Capistrano, Calif.  The right-handed hitter was rated as the 12^th-best position player prospect in the 2011 draft class by Baseball America, as well as one of the best defensive catchers.

With today’s announcement, the Padres have now agreed to terms with 35 of the 53 players selected this year.  Below is a complete look at the Padres’ 2011 draft selections.  Names in bold indicate that a player has agreed to terms.