Injuries & Moves: Merrill remains sidelined
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April 26: OF Jackson Merrill (right groin tightness) out of lineup Friday
Merrill was "feeling great" and "pounding the table" to play Friday's series opener against the Phillies, manager Mike Shildt said. But the Padres weren't taking any chances with their 21-year-old center fielder, who was out of the lineup as a precaution for the second straight game.
"Jackson's in a really, really good place," Shildt said. "I love the fact that it looks like we're getting this behind us. But I want to make sure it's behind us, because I don't want to look up and do something that's not smart and prudent and have a guy out, that's a big part of our club, for an extended period of time."
It's possible Merrill will return to the lineup Saturday, and Shildt didn't rule out a pinch-hit appearance Friday night.
April 26: 3B Manny Machado activated from paternity list; RHP Jeremiah Estrada recalled from Triple-A El Paso; IF Matthew Batten, RHP Randy Vásquez optioned to Triple-A El Paso
As a new dad, Machado made his return to the lineup at third base -- the first time he's played there since last August. Machado underwent a right elbow extensor tendon repair in October.
His return prompted the Padres to option Batten, while Vásquez was sent down to clear space for the right-handed Estrada, who has been dominant at Triple-A El Paso, striking out 20 over 8 2/3 innings with a 2.08 ERA. Vásquez's demotion leaves a place open in the rotation -- a spot that could potentially be filled by Yu Darvish, who is eligible to be activated from the injured list on Tuesday.
10-DAY/15-DAY INJURED LIST
RHP Yu Darvish (neck tightness)
Expected return: Late April or early May
Darvish threw a side session on April 24, after which “reports were favorable,” according to manager Mike Shildt. “He was on the gas, but didn’t have it to the floor … it was a positive first step,” Shildt added. Darvish was placed on the 15-day IL on April 17 (retroactive to April 15). He last pitched on April 14 against the Dodgers in Los Angeles. The 37-year-old right-hander was shut down in September last season with a stress reaction in his right elbow and has dealt with back and neck issues in the past. (Last updated: April 24)
IF/OF Tucupita Marcano (surgery for torn right ACL)
Expected return: First half
Marcano has begun taking ground balls as he progresses in his rehab from a torn ACL. The 24-year-old utilityman had surgery last August after injuring his knee while playing for the Pirates against the Padres on July 24. He does not yet have a set date to return to game action but will continue ramping up his baseball activity. (Last updated: April 12)
RHP Glenn Otto (right shoulder teres major strain)
Expected return: First half
After dealing with shoulder trouble last season, Otto suffered a setback during the early stages of camp, and he's yet to pitch in Cactus League games. On March 9, manager Mike Shildt offered some clarity, noting that Otto is still in the rehab stage of his recovery, though he added that Otto is getting "closer to playing catch and baseball activity." The Padres claimed Otto off waivers from the Rangers last September. He was expected to be part of their rotation competition, but instead he opened the year on the injured list. (Last updated: March 25)
RHP Luis Patiño (right elbow inflammation)
Expected return: First half
Patiño made only two Cactus League appearances after arriving late from Colombia because of visa issues, costing him any chance to compete for a roster spot. He returned to the Padres, his original organization, via waiver claim on Dec. 22. (Last updated: March 25)