Overview

• Jackson Merrill, the Padres' standout center fielder, was placed on the injured list with a right hamstring strain retroactive to April 7.
• Merrill is expected to return on April 18, coinciding with the start of a three-game series in Houston.
• Oscar Gonzalez was recalled from Triple-A El Paso to fill Merrill's roster spot, marking his first return to the majors since 2023.
• Manager Mike Schildt emphasized that Merrill's injury isn't serious but required the IL placement to avoid playing short-handed during his recovery.
• This setback comes just a week after Merrill signed a nine-year, $135 million contract extension and began the season with a stellar .378 batting average and three home runs over 10 games.