Jackson Merrill's scorching post-All-Star break stretch continues in Padres' comeback win over Brewers

Overall, since the Midsummer Classic, Merrill has been one of the most productive hitters in the majors, ranking sixth among qualified batters in batting average (.341) and second in slugging percentage (.659). He's raised his OPS by .085 points from .628 over his first 93 games to .712 following Monday's win. His season has mirrored San Diego's.

During the first half of the year, the Padres had the worst team batting average (.226) in MLB while scoring a league-low 379 runs. Entering Monday, they were the hottest-hitting team since the All-Star break with a .280 batting average and 125 runs scored, which ranked fifth.

The improved production at the plate has breathed life into the Padres (63-57) as they vie for a playoff spot. They're only a game behind the Arizona Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies, both 64-56, for the NL's third and final wild-card spot with 42 games remaining.

Merrill and the rest of the offense will have to continue producing to overcome the terrible start to the season. At the rate the Padres are going, those struggles are already a distant memory.