Padres notes: Jackson Merrill ‘curious’ about moving up; Manny Machado better; Nett gains

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Padres notes: Jackson Merrill ‘curious’ about moving up; Manny Machado better; Nett gains

PEORIA, Ariz. — Jackson Merrill ascended methodically through the batting order last season. Eight of his first nine starts were as the No. 9 hitter. The next six were at eighth. He batted seventh most of his next 48 starts and sixth almost all of his next 73 starts before finishing the season with 15 consecutive starts batting fifth. “He earned the right to get up in the lineup,” manager Mike Shildt said. “You look at what he did after we put h…