Padres star OF Jackson Merrill set to return Tuesday

Field Level Media|published: 05/05/2025, 8:56pm EDT

Apr 6, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill (3) dive into first base against the Chicago Cubs during the eighth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

San Diego All-Star center fielder Jackson Merrill is on track to return to the Padres' lineup on Tuesday, according to manager Mike Shildt.

The 2024 Rookie of the Year runner-up is in New York as the Padres open a three-game series against the Yankees on Monday.

"Scheduled day off today to recover from a couple of games but, yeah, so he's on track for tomorrow," Padres manager Mike Shildt said before Monday's game. "Just a very professional rehab. He dominated every day in what he was able to do."

Merrill played the first 10 games before a strained right hamstring forced him out. He was a major component of the Padres' 8-2 start, hitting .378 (14 for 37) with three home runs and 10 RBIs.

He was placed on the injured list on April 8, six days after agreeing to a nine-year, $135 million contract through 2034.

Merrill got in a pair of rehab games with the Padres' Double-A affiliate in San Antonio last weekend.

The 22-year old hit .292 with 24 home runs, 90 RBIs and 16 stolen bases in his rookie campaign. The former shortstop made a successful transition to center field during spring training in 2024.

--Field Level Media