As San Diego continues its playoff push, Merrill’s recovery will be closely monitored. The Padres have leaned heavily on their pitching and defense to stay afloat in the division race, and losing one of their most dynamic young players could test their depth down the stretch.

Making the Padres' Opening Day roster last year as a 21-year-old, Merrill's first year resulted in a top-10 finish in NL MVP voting, an All-Star Game selection, a runner-up to Paul Skenes in the National League Rookie of the Year running, and also a Silver Slugger Award.