The San Diego Padres fell to the Arizona Diamondbacks in a brutal ninth-inning collapse Saturday night. But, while a brutal loss, another issue took precedence for the Padres. Sliding into second base, Jackson Merrill appeared to have suffered an injury, and after the game, Padres manager Mike Shildt provided an update.
According to Annie Helibrunn of the San Diego Sports Association on Twitter/X, Shildt said that Merrill is "woozy" after getting tagged in the head at second base. Helibrunn also mentioned that Shildt said, "They have not made a decision yet whether he is in concussion protocol."
Jackson Merrill is "woozy," per Mike Shildt. Shildt said they have not made a decision yet whether he is in concussion protocol (at least not one they can share). #Padres https://t.co/ab8YOBufAa
— Annie Heilbrunn (@annieheilbrunn) June 15, 2025
The injury to Merrill is a concerning one, and while it's unlikely to be a season-ender, it could linger for Merrill the rest of the year. Concussions are no joke, and in sports, they aren't uncommon. But in baseball, they are rare, at least, more so than in football.
Merrill sustained the potential concussion as he was sliding into second base on a stolen base attempt in the seventh inning. Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte caught the throw from his catcher and placed a tag on Merrill. Unfortunately, his tag went right onto Merrill's head, knocking his helmet into his nose and shaking the young center fielder up.
Through the beginning of the year, Merrill was batting .304 for the Padres with 52 hits and five home runs. The 22-year-old had an .823 OPS, just .003 less OPS than his 2024 season total of .836.
Merrill, after sustaining the injury, could go on the injured list and miss some time due to his concussion. While no announcement has been made, and there isn't a confirmation if he suffered a concussion or not, the injury is a concerning one that could keep him out for some time.
With the Padres' questionable outfield depth, there will need to be some tough roster configuration if Merrill is out for an extended period. Whether it's a trade or a Minor League call-up, the Padres will have to make some roster moves in the wake of Merrill's injury.