"Nothing’s broken, nothing’s messed up" - Padres' Jackson Merrill confident of battling through pain despite knee cap injury

Jackson Merrill returned to the San Diego Padres lineup after taking a day off to nurse a knee injury he sustained during Friday's game against the San Francisco Giants. The star rookie fouled off a ball in the inside of his left foot and had to exit the game.

After the game, thankfully for the Padres, test for a left patella contusion returned negative. He rejoined the team for the series dead rubber game on Sunday. The 21-year-old hit a solo home run in the fifth innings to start the scoring for San Diego. Despite his efforts, they lost the game 7-6.

In the postgame interview, Merrill spoke about the extent of the injury. He revealed that he hadn't suffered a broken bone or anything major that could keep him out. Merrill said:

"I really didn't want to miss yesterday either. Obviously it doesn't feel good to have something off in your knee but I want to play every game and it sucks when I have to sit and watch. I try to help my team, be ready on the bench, went to hit it was fine. I want to be there every game.

"Foul ball straight up the knee cap and I have got seam sitting right on top of my kneecap. You got to push through, it's a bruise. Nothing's broken, nothing's messed up. It's going to be there, it's going to be annoying but I am fine."

Jackson Merrill unlikely to miss any time due to injury

Despite being back to face the Giants, Jackson Merrill did say that he had a bruise that he was playing through. However, it very unlikely that he will miss any games.

"I am walking around, running around still it's nothing broken. So, if nothing's broken, I don't see a reason to miss any time," Merrill added.

The Padres must have been concerned about the injury ruling Jackson Merrill out for some time. For now, they were able to avoid it, as the center fielder hit his 23rd home run of the season. They are likely to monitor the situation in their next series against the Seattle Mariners.