San Diego Padres centerfielder Jackson Merrill is questionable for tonight's series opener against the San Francisco Giants. Merrill, who struck out twice in Sunday's 5-4 loss against the Dodgers, exited the game due to a left ankle injury. After rolling his ankle during a play on Friday, Merrill decided to "play through" the injury.
Manager Mike Shildt has labeled him "day-to-day" against the Giants, while noting that the injury has been bothering him for days and his swing was noticeably affected.
"(The ankle has) been bothering him a little bit," Shildt said after Sunday's loss. "He tweaked it a little bit (Saturday night), and it felt a little ginger in the first couple of at-bats, so we just wanted to get ahead of it a little bit."
Padres' Jackson Merrill "frustrated" over latest injury
Meanwhile, Jackson Merrill finds the situation "frustrating" after prior hamstring and concussion problems this season.
“It’s … frustrating,” Merrill said. “Hopefully it’s day to day. Hopefully, I play tomorrow, if I wake up and it feels brand new. But I can’t really say anything right now.”
Merrill's availability will be crucial for the Padres as they attempt to retake the lead of the NL West after they lost it over the weekend in a series sweep against the Dodgers.
If he features in the starting lineup, he'll play in the cleanup spot behind Manny Machado and ahead of Xander Bogaerts. He'll also look to improve upon his hitting record against Giants ace Robbie Ray. Merrill has had one hit (an extra base hit) in six plate appearances against Ray.