In Wednesday’s season opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the San Diego Padres introduced 20-year-old center fielder Jackson Merrill to the major league stage. Merrill, who had never played above Double-A, saw his debut after the Padres selected his contract from Double-A San Antonio.
Batting ninth in the lineup, Merrill faced Tyler Glasnow in his inaugural big league at-bat, hitting a 105.7 mph flyout to center field in the third inning. During spring training, Merrill showcased his skills with a .351 batting average (13 for 37), including three doubles, two homers, six RBIs, and two stolen bases across 13 games.
Merrill’s debut marked a notable achievement, becoming only the fourth player under 21 to start on opening day in center field since 1969. He joins the ranks of Andruw Jones (1998), Ken Griffey Jr. (1989, 1990), and Don Hahn (1969).
Selected as the 27th overall pick in the 2021 amateur draft, Merrill began last season at Class A Fort Wayne, where he hit .280 with 10 homers and 33 RBIs in 68 games before moving up to San Antonio. With the Missions, Merrill continued to impress, batting .273 with five homers and 31 RBIs in 46 games.
Alongside Merrill’s promotion, the Padres also brought infielders Graham Pauley and Tyler Wade into the fold. Pauley joined from the Missions, while Wade arrived from Triple-A El Paso. Concurrently, the Padres opted to send catcher Brett Sullivan and right-handed pitcher Woo Suk-Go to the Chihuahuas. Despite signing a $4.5 million, two-year contract, Go wasn’t chosen for the series in his home nation after a less-than-ideal spring training performance.
Wade, entering his eighth major league season, agreed to a minor league deal with the Padres in November. He showcased his abilities during spring training, batting .294 (10 for 34) with seven RBIs in 14 games.
The Padres placed right-handers Glenn Otto (right teres major strain) and Luis Patiño (right elbow inflammation) on the 15-day injured list, while infielder Tucupita Marcano (recovering from right knee ACL surgery) landed on the 10-day injured list.
