The San Diego Padres are facing a growing crisis just weeks into the 2025 season, as a string of injuries is beginning to severely test the depth and resilience of manager Mike Shildt’s 40-man roster. What started as a few minor setbacks has now escalated into a troubling trend — one that could have serious implications for the club’s playoff hopes.
Over the past two weeks, several key contributors have either been placed on the injured list or are battling lingering issues, leaving the team scrambling to fill roles and maintain consistency on the field.
Among the most significant losses is starting outfielder Jackson Merrill, who has been sidelined with a hamstring strain and is expected to miss at least a few weeks. Merrill had been one of the team’s most consistent bats early in the season and his absence creates a major hole both offensively and defensively.
Joining him on the sidelines is veteran infielder Xander Bogaerts, who is managing a lingering shoulder issue that has limited his availability and effectiveness at the plate. While not officially placed on the IL, the Padres have been cautious with his usage — raising questions about how long he can be relied upon without a more aggressive recovery plan.
The pitching staff hasn’t been spared either. Young starter Dylan Lesko was recently scratched from his scheduled outing due to elbow discomfort, while reliever Adrian Morejon continues to deal with a sore forearm. With the bullpen already stretched thin, the mounting toll on the staff is creating ripple effects across the rotation and relief corps.
Manager Mike Shildt has remained composed in the face of adversity, but acknowledged over the weekend that the injuries are beginning to strain the club’s overall depth.
“We’re definitely being challenged,” Shildt said. “You never want to see guys go down, especially early in the year. But it’s a part of the game. We trust the next man up, and we’ve got a lot of belief in this group.”
The Padres have made several corresponding moves, calling up prospects from Triple-A El Paso and shuffling roles to patch the gaps. However, the drop-off in experience and production is already being felt — especially with division rivals like the Dodgers and Giants gaining ground.
With the NL West shaping up to be a competitive battleground again this year, San Diego’s ability to navigate this injury storm without falling behind in the standings is crucial. The Padres entered the season with high expectations following a strong offseason, but the depth of the roster — and the organizational pipeline — is now under a microscope.
If the injuries continue to pile up, General Manager A.J. Preller could be forced to explore the trade market earlier than anticipated.
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