In a significant setback for the San Diego Padres, All-Star center fielder Jackson Merrill has been placed on the injured list due to a right hamstring strain, just a week after securing a nine-year, $135 million contract. Merrill's impressive start included a .378 batting average and 10 RBIs over his first eight games. His rookie performance last year solidified his status as a rising star in the league, finishing second in NL Rookie of the Year voting. With Merrill sidelined, the Padres have called up Oscar Gonzalez from Triple-A El Paso to fill the gap in the lineup.