San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill has made his return from the injured list after missing a month due to a strained left hamstring. He was activated before a game against the New York Yankees, where he played center field and batted fourth, going 2-for-4 with a double and contributing to one of the team’s runs in a challenging 12-3 loss.
Merrill’s comeback came after he completed two rehab games with Double-A San Antonio. Padres manager Mike Shildt expressed excitement about having Merrill back, emphasizing his special talent and the impact his absence had on the team. “Jackson’s a really, really special player that missed quite a bit, both on the field, off the field,” Shildt stated.
Before his injury, Merrill had an impressive start to the season, hitting .378 with three home runs and ten RBIs in just eight games. His performance led him to sign a lucrative nine-year contract worth $135 million shortly after a standout rookie season, where he was selected for the NL All-Star team and finished as a runner-up in the NL Rookie of the Year voting.
In a roster move to accommodate Merrill’s return, catcher Luis Campusano was sent to Triple-A El Paso after struggling in his brief stint with the Padres.
Merrill’s return could provide a significant boost for the Padres as they strive to improve their standing in the league. His earlier performances showcased his potential as a key player for the team moving forward.