Padres Announce Jackson Merrill News After Removal From Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jul 20, 2025 2:33 PM ET

Outfielder Jackson Merrill is in his second season as a member of the San Diego Padres. The 22-year-old star was selected in the first round of the 2021 MLB Draft and earned a call-up to the big-league roster ahead of the 2024 season.

Merrill primarily played infield throughout his professional career but transitioned to the outfield to secure a spot on a Padres roster already featuring Xander Bogaerts and Manny Machado on the left side of the infield.

He exceeded all expectations as a rookie, playing exceptional defense in center field while providing elite offensive production.

Merrill’s breakout year earned him an All-Star appearance, a Silver Slugger award and a second-place finish in NL Rookie of the Year voting. Over 156 games, he batted .292 with an .826 OPS and hit 24 home runs—prompting San Diego to lock him up long-term with a nine-year, $135 million contract extension this past offseason.

In 2025, Merrill has experienced a slight drop-off in production but remains a key piece of San Diego’s future.

Before Sunday’s series finale against the Washington Nationals, after originally placing Merrill in the lineup, the team announced, “Jackson Merrill has been scratched from today’s lineup due to illness.”

Jackson Merrill has been scratched from today’s lineup due to illness. Here's our updated lineup: https://t.co/eRIvzsWvDP pic.twitter.com/ZZz9jPSIRp
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) July 20, 2025

Through 2025, Merrill is batting .259 with a .731 OPS and just seven home runs—a steep decline from his rookie numbers.

The Padres will hope Merrill’s illness is a temporary setback as they pursue back-to-back postseason berths. San Diego is currently 53–45, holding sole possession of a playoff spot, and each remaining game will be pivotal in their drive toward October baseball.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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