Padres Manager Gives Murky Jackson Merrill Injury Update

Ahead of Tuesday's game against the Seattle Mariners, Shildt was asked about Merrill's progression and if he had done any baseball activity yet.

“No baseball activity," Shildt said via 97.3 The Fan. "He's felt as good yesterday as he's felt since it happened and we’re still in the process of evaluating him."

"We're not there yet. It's not to say it's too early, it's not to say it's too late, we just don't have that timeline for you," Shildt said when asked if Merrill would return for the Minnesota Twins or Baltimore Orioles series.

Ahead of the series against the Los Angeles Dodgers over the past weekend, it remained to be seen if Merrill would land on the IL.

Still, the Padres star admitted he was "less frustrated" despite another injury blow.

"Just taking the days on the downside, trying to get it to reset,” Merrill said. “That’s pretty much it. Spirits are better. More optimistic, for sure. Less frustrated, but still getting there.”

Ramon Laureano has been filling in for Merrill in centerfield, and the trade deadline acquisition figures to continue to do so until Merrill returns.

When Could Merrill Make His Return?

At this point, it remains to be seen exactly when Merrill will return.

The question asked was whether it could be for the series against the twins or the Orioles, and the Orioles series marks the first one in the month of September.

As of now, Shildt has not given any stance on whether or not Merrill could return by then, but not participating in baseball activities also isn't a positive sign.

MLB.com's AJ Cassavell reported that Shildt had planned for Merrill to do baseball activities on Tuesday or Wednesday in Seattle, so it will be worth watching to see how the Padres outfield responds.

Moreover, Merrill lands on the IL again, and he is just ready to get back on the field.

"It’s been really up and down,” Merrill said, via MLB.com. “I don’t really think there’s that much I can control besides just getting better. I’m not going to look back at it.”