Padres get good news on Jackson Merrill amid recovery progress

The San Diego Padres saw Jackson Merrill go down with a freak injury when sliding into second base. The tag was placed on his head, knocking his helmet down into his nose, giving him a concussion, and forcing the Padres to place him on the injured list. A few days later, and while he's still on the injured list, the Padres got some good news.

According to Annie Helibrunn of the San Diego Sports Association on Twitter/X, the Padres got some good news on Jackson Merrill amid his recovery progress. Helibrunn reports that Merrill conducted a "pregame routine" and that, according to Mike Shildt, Merrill is trending in the right direction.

Jackson Merrill did what could be termed as a “pregame routine” today. Trending in a good place, Shildt said. Headaches are gone, more mental clarity. They (including medical team) are still evaluating his progress and next steps. #Padres

— Annie Heilbrunn (@annieheilbrunn) June 20, 2025

The Padres have sorely missed the young center fielder, especially with their already thin outfield. But this update from Helibrunn is a great sign that the Padres will be getting their blossoming superstar back soon. Not only are his headaches gone, but there's also more mental clarity for Merrill.

While the Padres, Merrill, and Shildt are still evaluating where things stand in his recovery, this update is a huge step towards Merrill returning to center field for the Padres. There will still be steps that need to be taken, but Merrill is on track in his recovery.

The 22-year-old Merrill was batting .304 with five home runs and 52 hits in 171 at-bats before his injury. He made the All-Star team in his rookie season, and if not for his injuries in 2025, he was likely on his way to a second All-Star game in a row to begin his career.

But Merrill is instead working towards returning from landing on the seven-day injured list. It was a scary injury at the moment, but fortunately, this update from Helibrunn and Shildt is a great sign that the Padres center fielder is progressing in his recovery.