Padres Activate Jackson Merrill From Injured List

San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill has returned to the lineup after missing about a month due to a strained hamstring, rejoining the team to play center field and bat fourth against the Yankees. Merrill had been sidelined since early April, shortly after signing a nine-year, $135 million contract extension, and completed a rehab stint with Double-A San Antonio before his activation. The Padres, who have managed a 15-9 record during Merrill's absence, expect his strong offensive output—he was hitting .378 with three home runs and 10 RBIs prior to the injury—to bolster their lineup further. To make room for Merrill, catcher Luis Campusano was optioned to Triple-A El Paso. Padres manager Mike Shildt expressed excitement about having the 2024 All-Star and Rookie of the Year runner-up back, highlighting Merrill’s impact both on and off the field. Merrill’s return coincides with other key players, like Luis Arraez and Jason Heyward, also coming back from injuries, strengthening the Padres as they contend for the top spot in the league.