Jackson Merrill DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill (illness) is back in center field and is batting in the cleanup spot for Monday's series opener against the visiting Los Angeles Angels and left-hander Yusei Kikuchi at Petco Park. Merrill was scratched from the lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Colorado Rockies in Denver because he was feeling under the weather, but he's good to go now and should be returned to all starting lineups in redraft leagues despite a lefty-lefty matchup against a pitcher he's never faced. The 22-year-old former 27th overall pick has been outstanding in his 56 at-bats for the Friars this year, going 25-for-56 (.446) with four home runs, 16 RBI, 12 runs and a stolen base. Since returning from an injured-list stint due to a hamstring injury, Merrill has a four-game hitting streak in which he's gone 11-for-19 with a homer, two doubles, six RBI and five runs scored.

San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill (illness) was removed from Sunday's lineup due to an illness. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on his status leading up to their next contest on Monday evening against the Los Angeles Angels. Merrill recently returned from the 10-day injured list earlier this week and has picked up right where he left off, holding a stellar .579/.600/.842 slash line with two doubles, one home run, and six RBI. Before his injury, the former top prospect posted a strong .378/.415/.676 slash line with two doubles and three long balls during his first 10 games of the season. This afternoon, Merrill will be replaced by Tyler Wade, who will cover center field and bat in the nine-hole. The Padres are a strong team to target in DFS, facing Colorado right-hander German Marquez, who carries a high 9.90 ERA.

San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill went 2-for-4 with a home run, a run, and two RBI in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Yankees. He's picked up right where he left off after missing a month with a hamstring strain, producing two multi-hit games in his first two games back. He's batting .400 over 12 games this season with four home runs and one stolen base. The 22-year-old will look to build on his elite 2024 rookie season and figures to be a top-15 outfielder for fantasy for years to come.