Overview

• Merrill is not in Monday’s starting lineup against the Giants after exiting Sunday’s loss to the Dodgers with a left-ankle issue.
• Manager Mike Shildt said the ankle has been bothering Merrill since he rolled it Friday, described the soreness as a day-to-day situation, and said the move Sunday was to get ahead of it.
• Reports indicate he remains day-to-day and could return later in the four-game series against San Francisco.
• Merrill called the latest setback “frustrating” after earlier hamstring and concussion absences this season and said he wants to play even if not fully healthy.
• His short-term availability looms large as San Diego tries to reclaim the NL West lead after being swept by the Dodgers.