As the San Diego Padres gear up for a pivotal three-game series against the New York Yankees, all eyes are on center fielder Jackson Merrill, who rejoined the team at Yankee Stadium on Monday, May 5, 2025, after a brief rehab assignment. Though he wasn’t activated for the game, manager Mike Shildt expressed optimism about Merrill’s return, indicating he is on track to play on Tuesday, May 6.
“It’s great to see Jackson back,” Shildt noted during his pregame media session. “He was very intentional about the process of getting back. He had a very professional rehab. He dominated every day with what he was able to do. He did more in some areas where he could help the team. He stayed ready mentally. It’s great to have him back.”
Merrill, the 2024 Rookie of the Year runner-up, had an impressive start to the season, contributing significantly to the Padres’ 8-2 record before a strained right hamstring sidelined him. In his first ten games, he boasted a remarkable batting average of .378 (14 for 37), with three home runs and ten RBIs. However, he was placed on the injured list on April 8, just six days after signing a lucrative nine-year, $135 million contract that extends through 2034.
During his two-game rehab stint with the Padres’ Double-A affiliate in San Antonio, Merrill showcased his readiness to return, hitting .292 with 24 home runs, 90 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases in his rookie campaign last year. Shildt emphasized that while Merrill had a scheduled day off on Monday to recover from his rehab games, he is expected to be back in the lineup against the Yankees on Tuesday.
“He’s on track for tomorrow,” Shildt confirmed. “Scheduled day off today to recover from a couple of games but, yeah, so he’s on track for tomorrow.”
As the Padres navigate the challenges of the season, Shildt also addressed the team’s health issues, acknowledging that injuries are an inevitable part of the game. “No one is going to feel sorry for you,” he stated. “We sustained it last year. You talk about winners finding solutions. We have people who are capable of filling different roles when they are called upon. Unfortunately, we’ve had to call upon them. Fortunately, these guys have answered the bell.”
Shildt praised the depth of the Padres’ roster, highlighting that it takes a complete team effort to succeed. “It’s taken a complete roster, not just the 26 we have but the 40-man,” he explained. “It’s a further indication that we have good players and a complete indication that we play the game the right way. That gives us the best chance to win.”
Defensively, the Padres have been solid, playing clean baseball over their last five games. Shildt emphasized that the team’s defensive prowess is a crucial element of their strategy. “We play clean defensively. We did that over the course of the last five games,” he noted. “On offense, we take what the situation gives us — either with the at-bats or on the bases.”
Looking ahead to the matchup against the Yankees, Shildt expressed confidence in his starting pitcher, Nick Pivetta, who has been a standout performer for the Padres. “He’s done a lot of quality things against righties and lefties,” Shildt remarked. “He’s been terrific for us. His fastball has a lot of life to it. He throws it in the zone and has been able to work off of it with other pitches. He’s been able to control counts and get ahead of hitters.”
Pivetta’s ability to limit walks will be critical, especially against a formidable Yankees lineup. “It’s always important to limit the free passes. Every club you play has capable guys in the lineup. Clearly, the Yankees have a good lineup. We don’t like to give anything away. We want to execute our game plan and make adjustments with what we see during the game,” Shildt said.
As the Padres prepare to face the Yankees, the return of Jackson Merrill adds a layer of excitement and anticipation. His presence in the lineup is expected to bolster the team’s offensive capabilities, and fans are eager to see how he performs after his recovery.
In conclusion, the Padres are looking to capitalize on the momentum of their recent performances while managing the challenges of player injuries. With key players like Merrill and Pivetta ready to contribute, the team is poised to make a strong showing in New York. The excitement is palpable as they aim to continue their winning ways against one of baseball's storied franchises.