With stars Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado departing Peoria to join Team Dominican Republic for the World Baseball Classic, 22-year-old Jackson Merrill delivered a crucial two-run home run to help the San Diego Padres overcome the Seattle Mariners 7-1 in a Cactus League game on Saturday. Merrill’s blast in the second inning marked his first home run this spring, providing an early spark for the Padres.
JP Sears Shows Improved Command in Early Season Start
Left-hander JP Sears made his second start this spring, displaying greater composure on the mound. Sears pitched three innings, allowing just one run while recording a single strikeout through a foul tip by Cal Raleigh in the first inning. This performance is a positive step for Sears as he aims to compete for the Padres’ fifth starter role, a spot that will demand multiple strong outings in the weeks ahead.
Padres’ Bullpen Delivers Strong Shutout Performance
San Diego’s relief pitchers combined to throw six scoreless innings against Seattle, producing seven strikeouts in total while shutting down the Mariners’ offense. The bullpen featured a mix of established arms and newcomers, including Jeremiah Estrada, Bradgley Rodriguez, Ty Adcock, and closer Mason Miller. Rodriguez, who made his major league debut last season, stands out with a fastball that can reach 100 mph alongside sharp breaking pitches. Last year, he posted a 1.17 ERA with nine strikeouts over seven relief appearances, positioning him as a potential key reliever for the Padres this season.
Interest from other teams in San Diego’s high-end relievers has been widely reported since November. General Manager A.J. Preller may explore trade options from this valuable bullpen depth prior to Opening Day. The emergence of minor league pitchers Garrett Hawkins, Tucker Musgrove, and Francis Peña adds further intrigue, as they could be integrated into the Padres’ pitching staff throughout the year.
Walker Buehler Adjusting to New Role with Padres
Veteran starter Walker Buehler, formerly a prominent figure with the Los Angeles Dodgers, made his first appearance for the Padres against the KBO’s NC Dinos. Having endured a second Tommy John surgery and two difficult seasons, the 31-year-old right-hander is pursuing a return to form with San Diego. Buehler threw three innings and 48 pitches during this outing, navigating a challenging first inning but finishing strong by retiring five consecutive hitters.
The first inning was a little rough,
Buehler said after his bullpen session.
A bunch of singles, but throwing strikes. I think the velocity was a little bit above where we thought it would be. Overall, a lot of good, a lot of bad, lots of stuff to figure out. Only so much you’re gonna get out of it today. But all in all, a good day,
he added.
Buehler’s fastball reached 92 mph, and he generated swings and misses with his breaking pitches, signaling progress as he integrates into the Padres’ rotation.
Adrian Morejón Returns to Action with Strong Spring Start
Left-handed pitcher Adrian Morejón also saw game action during the Padres’ session against the NC Dinos, delivering an efficient 11-pitch, 1-2-3 inning. Known for his ability to strike out batters, Morejón struck out 70 over 73 2/3 innings last season, boasting a 2.08 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP. His solid spring outing suggests he is on track to continue contributing at a high level for San Diego this year.
Implications for Padres’ Season and Roster
Jackson Merrill’s timely homer provides an early highlight in a Padres camp marked by roster adjustments and strategic positioning. With Tatis Jr. and Machado absent due to international commitments, Merrill’s emergence adds depth to the team’s lineup. The bullpen’s strength remains a cornerstone for San Diego, though trade possibilities loom given the demand for their relief pitchers across the league. Meanwhile, veteran starters like Walker Buehler work to regain peak form, and pitchers such as Adrian Morejón continue to build momentum.
As the Padres head closer to Opening Day, performances during Cactus League play will shape rotation and bullpen decisions, depth chart moves, and spring training storylines. The developments in Peoria underscore how young talent and veteran resilience will be critical pillars for the team’s 2026 campaign.
Jackson Merrill's first #SpringTraining long ball 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3cfS2HziCO
— MLB (@MLB) February 28, 2026
Walker Buehler tossed three innings today in Peoria against the KBO’s NC Dinos.
After the outing, Buehler said it was “all in all, a good day” and that he thinks “the velocity was a little bit above kind of where we thought it would be.” pic.twitter.com/FORwCsZjLo
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) February 28, 2026
