The San Diego Padres are three games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers heading into Thursday night's action. The Dodgers said they acknowledged the Padres' success , and the old rivals are headed towards a close finish. In order to close the gap and steal the National League West, Padres manager Mike Shildt needs more from Jackson Merrill . Fernando Tatis Jr . can't do everything.

Merrill's season has been quite disappointing all around. For player that nearly won the NL Rookie of the Year in 2024, experts around Major League Baseball anticipated a big season from the outfielder. However, he has been in and out of the Padres' lineup thanks to injuries . Even when he has been available, his production is far from the high standard he set in his rookie season.

Despite his struggle

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