Merrill rejoins Padres, expected to be activated Tuesday

NEW YORK -- The Padres entered Monday with the second-best record in baseball, winners of five straight.

And now they’re getting healthy.

Star center fielder Jackson Merrill joined the team in New York on Monday, ahead of its 4-3 comeback win over the Yankees. He’s expected to be activated on Tuesday, after what manager Mike Shildt said was a scheduled off-day/travel day in his rehab progression.

Merrill, who had missed four weeks while dealing with a right hamstring strain, was hitting .378 with a 1.091 OPS before he went down with the injury. (He had also just inked a nine-year contract extension, too). Merrill spent the weekend in San Antonio playing a pair of rehab games, where he went 2-for-6 with a walk.

“Just a very professional rehab,” Shildt said. “He dominated every day what he was able to do. … Great to have him back, and we’ll see what tomorrow looks like.”

Merrill’s return is the latest positive on the injury front for the Padres. They welcomed first baseman Luis Arraez and left fielder Jason Heyward back last Tuesday (and haven’t lost since). Backup outfielder Brandon Lockridge returned Friday, and Jake Cronenworth, who fractured his right rib on a hit-by-pitch on April 6, could be activated as soon as this weekend in Colorado.

Through it all, the Padres persevered. They stumbled at times but were rarely down for too long. They entered their series against the Yankees with a 22-11 record, trailing the Dodgers by half a game in the National League West.

“We have this roster depth, we have people that are capable of fulfilling different roles if called upon. Unfortunately, we’ve had to call upon it. But fortunately, guys have answered the bell,” Shildt said. “It’s further indication that we have good players. But also a complete indication that we play the game the right way which gives us the best chance to win.”

The Padres have yet to announce a corresponding move for Merrill’s expected activation.