The Padres are fond of saying all they strive to do is score one more run than the other team each day. But privately, most people in the organization say pretty much the same thing when asked if the Padres can continue winning this way and keep their key relievers healthy.

Nevertheless, not every young player would display the maturity Merrill is showing amid one of the worst stretches of his big-league career. The Padres center fielder is showing wisdom well beyond his years — which should help him approach the game from a correct perspective.

Jackson Merrill broke out of a slump with two home runs off All-Star Zack Wheeler, and Manny Machado hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the seventh inning for the San Diego Padres, who won their second straight game against the Philadelphia Phillies,

Jackson Merrill worried this might happen. Earlier this week, as Merrill toiled through the worst slump of his young career, it was posed to him that the upcoming All-Star break might come at a perfec

The San Diego Padres stayed in character Sunday, using their top selection in the MLB Draft on a high school player for a ninth consecutive year. This time, with the 25th pick, they settled on 6-foot-8 left-hander Kruz Schoolcraft.