San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right hamstring strain, backdated to April 7. The 21-year-old had been performing phenomenally, with a .378 batting average and three home runs in just 10 games this season. In his absence, the Padres have promoted Oscar Gonzalez from Triple-A El Paso, while rookie Brandon Lockridge will take over the center field position for the upcoming game against the Athletics.

Merrill's early-season success was highlighted by his impressive .415 on-base percentage and .676 slugging percentage, marking him as a key player for the Padres. His IL stint allows him to recover fully without being rushed back into action. Gonzalez has previously played 145 games in the MLB with a respectable .269 batting average and will look to make an impact during Merrill's absence as the Padres maintain their position at the top of MLB standings.