Jackson Merrill News Emerges After Removal From Padres Lineup
The San Diego Padres continue battling the Los Angeles Dodgers for the top spot in the National League West during the 2026 MLB season. Entering Friday's matchup against the Athletics with a 29-20 record and in second place in the NL West, San Diego is attempting to keep pace in one of baseball's most competitive division races.
One of the organization's most promising young stars is 23-year-old center fielder Jackson Merrill. Since being named an All-Star in his 2024 rookie season and finishing as the runner-up in the NL Rookie of the Year race, Merrill has developed into a key piece of the Padres' future.
The Padres faced an injury scare involving Merrill during Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, as he suffered a rib injury while attempting to rob Shohei Ohtani of a leadoff home run. Merrill later exited the game.
Merrill is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Athletics. However, according to reporter Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, Merrill's ribs are just sore, and he is expected to return in the next few days.
"Jackson Merrill's ribs are sore, but he is expected to be able to play in the next few days," Acee shared on X.
Jackson Merrill's ribs are sore, but he is expected to be able to play in the next few days.
— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) May 22, 2026
While Merrill's absence is notable, the Padres seem to have avoided a major injury for one of their premier young talents. Merrill is an important part of San Diego's lineup, despite enduring a disappointing 2026 season at the plate so far. Batting .203 with an OPS of .595 and four home runs through 47 games, Merrill is posting career lows in each of these categories.
Despite the offensive regression, Merrill continues to hold significant value for the Padres because of his athleticism and defensive versatility. With Merrill expected to avoid a lengthy absence, the Padres will now hope the young outfielder can quickly return to full strength and regain some offensive momentum as they continue chasing the Dodgers for the number one spot in the NL West.
San Diego begins a three-game home series against the Athletics on Friday.
Related: Padres' Mason Miller Announces Personal News Before Mariners Game
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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 4:43 PM.