Padres Make Xander Bogaerts Decision After Jackson Merrill News

Padres Make Xander Bogaerts Move Before Giants Game

During Tuesday’s win against the San Francisco Giants, Bogaerts had an unfortunate day at the plate—fouling a ball off his shin and also being drilled by a pitch in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Ahead of Wednesday’s series finale, manager Mike Shildt decided to remove Bogaerts from the starting lineup, with Jose Iglesias taking over at shortstop. The move comes with star outfielder Jackson Merrill set to miss his third straight game with an ankle injury, leaving San Diego with two key pieces on the bench.

On Tuesday, Shildt revealed some less than encouraging news on Merrill, telling reporters the team is currently evaluating whether he can do anything at this stage.

"We’re evaluating whether he’ll be available for anything at all, which we’re not certain about right now, and then evaluating whether it’s day-to-day or something longer," he said via Kevin Acee of the San Diego Tribune.

Bogaerts' Availability Crucial Toward Padres' Postseason Run

Bogaerts’ health moving forward will be crucial for San Diego as it attempts to make back-to-back trips to the postseason. The veteran shortstop has not yet lived up to expectations during his tenure with the Padres.

Bogaerts had an exceptional start to his career with the Boston Red Sox, where he collected multiple World Series titles, four All-Star selections, and five Silver Slugger Awards.

After producing a batting average of .292 and an OPS of .814 with Boston, those numbers have since dropped to .273 and .742 respectively with San Diego.

With eight seasons left in his deal after 2025, Bogaerts will look to continue his recent surge offensively and help San Diego on its quest for the franchise’s first World Series championship.