Jackson Merrill has not appeared in a game since the San Diego Padres’ series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers last Sunday. During the series opener on Friday, Merrill rolled his ankle in his final at-bat, and although he attempted to play the next day, his performance was hindered, going hitless in four plate appearances. In Sunday’s game, he struck out in his first two at-bats before being removed due to his injury.
Following that series, Merrill missed all of the Padres’ games against the San Francisco Giants as he recuperated. The team diagnosed his condition as
“some bone bruising and a sprained ligament,”
prompting him to take four days off to rest and recover.
“Just taking the days on the downside, trying to get it to reset,”
Merrill told Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune after the Padres’ 8-4 victory over the Giants. “That’s pretty much it.”
“Spirits are better. More optimistic, for sure. Less frustrated, but still getting there,”
he added.
Significance of Upcoming Dodgers Series for Padres and Merrill
The Padres will face the Dodgers again starting Friday in what is a pivotal series for the National League West standings. San Diego trails Los Angeles by just one game, making this matchup critical for the division crown. The team’s decision about whether Merrill will participate will be made before the first game, with the possibility of placing him on the injured list if he is not ready to compete.
Padres manager Mike Shildt emphasized the team’s approach to Merrill’s injury:
“Really, quite frankly, we’re going to give every leniency to see if he can come back,”
he said to Sanders. Having Merrill available would be a valuable asset, especially since the Dodgers swept the Padres the previous weekend when Merrill was active.
Merrill, 22, remains eager to play if his health permits. “I’d love to,” he said.
“That’s all I got. I’d love to.”
Lineup Changes and Merrill’s Season Performance
In Merrill’s absence, outfielder Ramón Laureano has taken over center field duties for three straight games to close out the series against the Giants. Bryce Johnson also started in center field during Monday’s series opener, stepping in for Laureano and later returning Merrill’s replacement to left field.
This season, Jackson Merrill has posted a slash line of .261/.317/.413 with a .730 OPS and nine home runs, reflecting his value to the Padres’ lineup as an All-Star-caliber center fielder.