Merrill returns – Jackson Merrill missed one game due to back soreness after colliding with the wall while trying to rob Shohei Ohtani’s home run, but returned to the lineup Saturday against the A’s, batting sixth. Tests on Thursday were negative, and the Padres say he’s day to
San Diego — Jackson Merrill walked back into the Padres’ lineup Saturday night, back in the center-field spot after a brief scare that had sidelined him for exactly one game.
Merrill missed Friday’s matchup due to back soreness. The injury began on Wednesday when he collided with the wall while attempting to rob Shohei Ohtani’s leadoff home run. After that, the Padres sent him in for tests on Thursday, including an MRI and CT scan. Those results came back negative. He was later ruled day to day.
On Saturday against the A’s, Merrill returned to the lineup and batted sixth. For the Padres, it was a reset that came fast, but it also landed on a season that has been difficult for the center fielder. Entering play Saturday, Merrill was hitting .203 with a .595 OPS.
Manager Craig Stammen acknowledged the uneven stretch when he spoke Friday about what Merrill has been dealing with at the plate. “Probably not up to his expectations, nor ours,” Stammen said, “Especially at the plate. But defensively, he’s been amazing, and he’s been great on the basepaths, too.”
While Merrill was out, Bryce Johnson handled center field. Johnson was the only other option on the Padres’ roster for the position, and he filled in during Merrill’s absence. With Merrill back, Johnson returned to his usual role as a pinch-runner and defensive sub available off the bench.
The week’s injury timeline moved quickly—soreness after the wall collision on Wednesday. negative MRI and CT scan tests on Thursday. a day-to-day ruling. and then a return Saturday. But for the Padres. the bigger question still sits in the box score: can Merrill’s season—already tough by the numbers—turn the way his defense and baserunning have continued to?.
Jackson Merrill Padres back soreness A’s Shohei Ohtani Craig Stammen Bryce Johnson MRI CT scan day to day