URGENT UPDATE: The San Diego Padres have just reinstated center fielder Jackson Merrill from the 10-day injured list, a crucial move as they fight for playoff positioning. The announcement came on August 28, 2023, as the Padres prepare to face the Baltimore Orioles in a pivotal series.
Merrill, who was sidelined due to a sprained left ankle retroactive to August 20, is returning after missing six games. He last appeared on the field on August 17 during a challenging loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 22-year-old has been a key player this season, boasting a batting average of .261 with nine home runs and 51 RBIs.
In a twist, Merrill was not included in the lineup for tonight’s game against the Orioles. Instead, Bryce Johnson will start in center field and bat eighth. This adjustment comes as Fernando Tatis Jr. was scratched just before the first pitch due to lower body tightness, forcing manager Mike Shildt to scramble his lineup.
The Padres’ current situation is tense; they are just two games behind the Dodgers in the NL West and hold the NL’s No. 2 wild-card spot. Every game counts as the team seeks to secure its postseason berth.
Additionally, the Padres recalled right-hander Sean Reynolds from Triple-A El Paso. This marks his fourth stint with the Padres this year. Reynolds has recorded a 4.98 ERA in his appearances but showed promise at El Paso, achieving a 1.23 ERA in six out of seven outings.
As the Padres gear up for this critical matchup, fans are eager to see how Merrill’s return will impact the team. Stay tuned for more updates as the game unfolds.
