As the Padres push through the second half of the season, injuries continue to shape the team’s depth chart while roster moves reflect the constant adjustments required to stay competitive. Here’s a full rundown of the latest injury news and roster transactions for the Friars.
Injury Updates
Jackson Merrill (OF) – Left Ankle Strain
Jackson Merrill gave Padres fans a scare after tweaking his left ankle on August 15 while running out a base hit. He attempted to play through the discomfort, appearing in two subsequent games, but was pulled early on August 17. He was held out of the lineup on August 18 as a precaution. The injury is being monitored closely, but Merrill is expected to return either on **August 19 or 20**, barring setbacks.
Michael King (RHP) – Left Knee Inflammation
Just after being activated from the 60-day injured list, Michael King has landed back on the shelf, this time with left knee inflammation. The injury, which he believes came from ramping up too aggressively following a previous shoulder nerve issue, put him on the **15-day IL retroactive to August 11**. Encouragingly, King threw a 30-pitch bullpen session on August 18 and is hopeful to return by the end of August.
Joe Musgrove (RHP) – Tommy John Surgery
Ace right-hander Joe Musgrove remains out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in March due to a torn UCL. He began light throwing in April and has progressed to fastball-only bullpen sessions as of early August. While his return is officially targeted for **2026**, Musgrove remains optimistic about the possibility of pitching a few innings late this year.
Ethan Salas (C) – Stress Reaction in Lower Back
Top catching prospect Ethan Salas, currently ranked No. 19 overall by MLB Pipeline, has been sidelined by a stress reaction in his lower back. Initially expected to return in mid-July, his rehab has been delayed, and he was moved to the **60-day minor league IL on August 15**. The Padres hope Salas can return sometime in **September or October**, with plans possibly including a stint in the Arizona Fall League or winter ball to regain reps.
Jhony Brito (RHP) – Elbow Surgery
Jhony Brito underwent **UCL internal brace surgery and flexor tendon repair** in April and has been out since March 27. His projected return isn’t until the **first half of 2026**, making this a long-term absence that leaves a dent in the Padres’ pitching depth.
Recent Transactions
August 16
* Recalled RHP **Ron Marinaccio** from Triple-A El Paso
* Optioned RHP **Randy Vásquez** to Triple-A El Paso
August 15
* Placed RHP **Michael King** on the 15-day IL (retroactive to Aug. 11)
* Recalled RHP **Randy Vásquez** from Triple-A El Paso
August 10
* Signed free agent **SS Damon Dues** to a minor league contract
August 9
* Activated RHP **Michael King** from the 60-day IL
* Optioned RHP **Sean Reynolds** to Triple-A El Paso
August 6
* Released veteran catcher **Martín Maldonado**
* Outrighted **CF Tyler Wade** to El Paso
August 5
* Signed free agent **LHP C.J. Widger**
* Recalled RHP **Sean Reynolds**
* Optioned **LHP JP Sears**
August 4
* Outrighted **LF Trenton Brooks** to El Paso
August 3
* Activated LHP **Nestor Cortes**
* Sent RHP **Michael King** on a rehab assignment
* Optioned RHP **Randy Vásquez**
August 2
* Acquired **C Eli Wilson** from the Pittsburgh Pirates
August 1
Activated a slew of key players:
B Ryan O’Hearn
LHP JP Sears
C Freddy Fermin
RHP Mason Miller
RF Ramón Laureano
* Designated **CF Tyler Wade** for assignment
* Optioned RHP **Ron Marinaccio**
With injuries testing depth and the front office shuffling players up and down between San Diego and El Paso, it’s clear the Padres are in a constant state of adaptation. The health of stars like Merrill and King will be crucial down the stretch, while the team continues to experiment with roster combinations in hopes of remaining in playoff contention.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Padres head into a pivotal stretch of the season.