Xander Bogaerts, who had been atop order in every game, gets day off; Padres turn to rookie who has passed every test so far
Jackson Merrill has moved to the top of the order, at least for a day. It is merely the next step. “Just kind of the same thing I’ve been doing — getting on base, creating havoc on the basepaths, just trying to create runs in any way possible,” the kid who is just less than a week from his 21st birthday said Saturday afternoon. By now, it can be believed. Merrill keeps checking boxes with both exuberance and nonchalance. New position. Skipping Triple-A after 46 games in Double-A.
His average and on-base percentage are second on the team behind Jurickson Profar. On March 20, he became the youngest MLB player to start his team’s first game in center field since 1998. He is the youngest Padres player since Fernando Tatis Jr. in 2019. Saturday, Merrill became the third-youngest Padres player ever written in atop the lineup card — behind Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar in 1988 and Tatis in ‘19.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
20-year-old outfielder Jackson Merrill makes debut for Padres in opener vs. DodgersJackson Merrill, a 20-year-old center fielder who had never played above Double-A, made his major league debut for San Diego in Wednesday’s opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers after the Padres selected his contract from San Antonio. Merrill hit .351 with three doubles, two homers, six RBIs and two stolen bases in 13 spring training games.
Read more »
Padres pregame: Jackson Merrill set to join elite opening day clubPadres rookie Jackson Merrill joins Ken Griffey Jr., Andruw Jones as the only center fielders to start on opening day before 21st birthday in last 59 years
Read more »
Jackson Merrill, Graham Pauley, Jeremiah Estrada, Stephen Kolek make Padres' roster in SeoulRookie position players seemed destined to make team for a while; relievers earned way on team after being acquired off waivers and Rule 5 draft
Read more »
Padres 1, Team Korea 0: Jackson Merrill has 2 hits, 8 pitchers combine on shutoutPadres turn in paltry offensive showing in second-to-last exhibition game; Jhony Brito strong at start
Read more »
Jackson Merrill, Padres rally to beat Dodgers in 11 inningsThe Padres completed their third late-inning comeback victory of the season by topping the Dodgers 8-7 on Friday night
Read more »
Padres notes: Yu Darvish suddenly makes split different; Jackson Merrill's magic; Manny Machado progressingYu Darvish will take altered splitter into Monday's game after changing grip midgame in his last start; Jackson Merrill turns in a rare 4-for-4
Read more »