Padres' star player Jackson Merrill hits his first home run after returning from IL

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: May 8, 2025, 07:11 IST

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Jackson Merrill made a triumphant return to the San Diego Padres after recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for 24 games. In his first game back, Merrill hit a crucial home run against the New York Yankees, boosting the Padres' lead and exciting fans both at the stadium and online.

Padres' star player Jackson Merrill hits his first home run after returning from IL (Image Source: Getty)

Jackson Merrill is back on the field and how! The San Diego Padres’ center fielder was out of the game due to being on the injured list. However, he's back on the field with a bang! How did he perform post-injury? Will he be able to continue playing in upcoming matches? We have all the details here!

Jackson Merrill hitting home run after returning from IL

Merrill was put on the injured list on April 8, 2025, which is approximately a week after he signed the $135 million, nine-year contract with the Padres. The player pulled his right hamstring due to which he was forced to leave the field. Merrill had to miss 24 games due to this, leaving both the player and fans disappointed.However, he is back on the field, all recovered and ready to show his potential, and the recent match between the Padres and Yankees gave him the opening he was looking for.Merrill hit his first home run after returning from the injury list, which helped the Padres get an upper hand against the New York Yankees.

The home run from Merrill was much needed for the Padres to maintain a lead. When Max Fried pitched to Merrill, the latter hit it off the field straight into the audience, giving the first home run of the evening.

Fan reactions to Jackson Merrill’s homer

It was not just Merrill who was excited to be back on the field, as his fans showed equal, if not more, enthusiasm for the player. When Merrill hit the homer, fans in the stadium were seen celebrating. The same was happening all over social media as well.One fan went on to say, “That's the stuff, let's go Merrill,” referring to the incredible home run he hit in the game.

Another fan commented, “Welcome back Jackson Merrill. What a way to return. Hitting a home run.”

Though Merrill returned to the field on Tuesday, it took him some time to catch on with the game. Now that he's back, it remains to be seen how Merrill will perform in the upcoming games. Will the adrenaline rush help him score more home runs? Well, we hope so. Here's to wishing that the center fielder does not get any more injuries this season, as the Padres really need him.Also Read: Fernando Tatis Jr got ejected for the first time in his career over a funny comment

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TOI Sports Desk

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