Shildt: Merrill will join Padres for opener in Korea

PEORIA, Ariz. -- San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt stopped just short of declaring that shortstop prospect Jackson Merrill has already locked down an everyday role in his outfield, even though it has become fairly obvious throughout camp. All he would say Tuesday is that the 20-year-old shortstop-turned-center-fielder will be on the Padres' season-opening trip to South Korea. "He's earned his way on the plane," Shildt said shortly after watching Merrill hit an opposite-field home run off All-Star starter Zac Gallen. "He's earned what's coming after the plane." The Padres...