Padres give Jackson Merrill injury update: 'Can take a while to heal'

Padres give Jackson Merrill injury update: 'Can take a while to heal' originally appeared on The Sporting News

In a tight-knit NL West division, the San Diego Padres have continued to do everything possible to stay within striking distance of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Entering Thursday, the Padres are just one game behind the Dodgers.

The division race remains tight, with Los Angeles and San Diego set to meet this weekend for their second three-game series in 10 days.

However, San Diego has run into a problem before the highly anticipated NL West matchup. The status of centerfielder Jackson Merrill is in question.

Mike Shildt provides Jackson Merrill injury update

Last Friday, in a 5-4 loss to the Dodgers, Jackson Merrill exited the game early and was replaced by Gavin Sheets in the lineup. The centerfielder hasn't returned to the Padres' lineup since the Aug. 17 game after being diagnosed with a bone bruise in his ankle.

Manager Mike Shildt addressed the status of Merrill as the Padres look towards a weekend series against the Dodgers.

MORE: Padres' Ryan O'Hearn discusses reduced role with new team

"Mike Shildt said imaging on Jackson Merrill’s left ankle continues to be negative, 'but there is some bone bruising, which can take a while to heal.' The Padres haven’t yet put Merrill on the injured list, but his status for this weekend against the Dodgers appears questionable," wrote The Athletic's Dennis Lin.

If Merrill eventually lands on the injured list, it will be his third stint in 2025. The 22-year-old was placed on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring strain back in April and was placed on the seven-day list after suffering a concussion in mid-June.

It's been a frustrating second season in the league for Merrill, despite being extremely productive when on the field. In 91 games in 2025, he has a .261 batting average, .317 on-base percentage, .413 slugging percentage, .729 OPS while hitting nine home runs and 51 RBI.