As we begin the second month of the 2025 Major League Baseball season, the postseason pretenders and contenders start to take shape. Usually, baseball fans do not pay attention to the division standings until Memorial Day.
The San Diego Padres will state their case as a playoff contender, but they must first patiently wait for the return of two starters to the lineup next week. The addition of Jackson Merrill and Jake Cronenworth brings high expectations for all.
The good news is both Merrill and Cronenworth have begun rehab work at the Padres sports complex in Peoria. The target dates for their return are May 5 for Merrill and May 9 for Cronenworth. Initially, each player might be eased into the lineup, as it may take some time to get their timing back in the field and at the plate.
The young phenom will be the first to arrive
The return of Merrill adds some pop to the lineup, which has been missing a consistent left-handed longball threat since he found himself on the injury list. After opening weekend, he seemed like a lock to represent the Friars in this season’s Mid-Summer Classic. Merrill hit .378 with 3 HRs and 10 RBIs before tweaking his right hamstring.
It is unknown if he can continue at this pace once Merrill returns to the lineup. However, there is evidence that he will continue to attack the zone. His stance allows him to protect the inside corner by shortening his stroke and pulling the ball over the first base bag. Merrill’s balance in the box gives him enough plate protection to drive an outside pitch to the opposite field for an extra-base hit.
Also, let’s not forget his value as a plus glove in center field. Yes, Tyler Wade has done a terrific job in his absence, but the return of Merrill is unwelcome news for gap hitters. He has been chasing down those drives since his rookie debut last season.
The early storm of inconsistent play that has hovered over the Padres can be blown out to sea if Merrill performs to his standard of excellence.
Cronenworth is a welcome left-handed bat
The Padres offense has missed Cronenworth’s ability to pull the ball down the line with runners in scoring position. Before going on the IL, his hard-hit rate was 38.5%. Cronenworth’s average exit velocity was 89.6 MPH, above the league average of 88.2 MPH. Before going on the IL, he was batting .257 with 2 HRs and 5 RBIs in 12 games.
The two-time All-Star is trying to earn his third appearance, as Cronenworth could be chosen solely for his exceptional fielding skills at second base. He has a .938 fielding percentage with two errors in 32 chances. If Cronenworth can get a glove on a ball, he will make a play. Two months may be long enough to make a case for himself.
Iglesias deserves more playing time
The return of Merrill and Cronenworth provides some lineup flexibility at the designated hitter’s position. It gives Padres manager Mike Shildt some options as the season progresses. The Friar Faithful may see more of Jose Iglesias as the right-handed DH option in the lineup.
Gavin Sheets has done a terrific job as the left-handed DH. He is still producing at the same rate as in spring training. But Iglesias deserves consideration for more at-bats after being thrust into the lineup. He played well at second base in Cronenworth’s absence.
Iglesias is a skilled hitter who produced 10 RBI in limited at-bats. He has developed into a valuable depth piece off the bench. Now is the time for Iglesias to become the right-handed DH if he is not playing in the field.
The Friars welcome back two versatile hitters who can bat anywhere in the order. Merrill and Cronenworth have the plate discipline to draw a walk, get a base hit, or power the ball over the fence. On a given night, you could see their name posted anywhere in the order.
Merrill and Cronenworth can recapture their previous form upon their return to the lineup. The Padres have not looked like a complete team without them.
The wait is almost over.
