Overview
- Jackson Merrill rejoined the Padres in New York on Monday and is expected to be activated on Tuesday following a four-week recovery from a right hamstring strain.
- Merrill played two rehab games in San Antonio over the weekend, going 2-for-6 with a walk, which manager Mike Shildt praised as a 'very professional rehab.'
- The Padres, currently 22-11 and winners of five straight, have leaned on roster depth to navigate multiple injuries this season.
- Merrill’s return follows his strong start to the season, where he hit .378 with a 1.091 OPS before his injury and signed a nine-year, $135 million extension.
- The team has also recently welcomed back Luis Arraez, Jason Heyward, and Brandon Lockridge, with Jake Cronenworth potentially returning this weekend.