Jackson Merrill is trying to get back on track after a hitless showing in his most recent game (0-for-4). His San Diego Padres take on Bryan Woo and the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday at 9:40 PM ET

Less than two years later, the San Diego Padres made Jackson Merrill the highest-drafted player out of the state of Maryland in almost two decades. But, now, even Palacios finds himself marveling at how Merrill is already living up to the loftiest projections.

Removed from Friday’s game after fouling a ball off left knee, Jackson Merrill progressed enough on Saturday to take an at-bat in a 6-3 loss to the Giants. Afterward, the Padres’ 21-year-old center fielder declined to speak with reporters as he made his way back to the training room to do what he could to get into Sunday’s lineup.