Padres Notes: Friars Officially Release Veteran, Pitcher Doesn’t Like Facing Dodgers, Jackson Merrill Injury

Key Takeaways:

• Padres officially part ways with a veteran player
• Team pitcher says he doesn’t like facing the Dodgers
• Club issues an update on Jackson Merrill’s injury status
• All news reported by Sports Illustrated on Aug. 19, 2025
• Moves illustrate San Diego’s mid-season recalibration

Padres Juggle Roster and Mind-Set

A day that began with a roster transaction soon touched on rivalry psychology and injury management, offering a snapshot of the San Diego Padres’ current state of play.

The Release
The club “released a veteran,” according to Sports Illustrated’s Noah Camras, trimming experience from the dugout as it searches for the right balance down the stretch. The move signals that no spot is guaranteed while San Diego hunts consistency.

Dodger Dread
In a candid moment, a Padres pitcher admitted he “doesn’t like facing the Dodgers.” The confession, as relayed by Sports Illustrated, lays bare the weight of the National League West rivalry. For a pitching staff seeking swagger, that discomfort is as revealing as any box-score line.

Merrill’s Recovery
Meanwhile, the organization continues to monitor prized prospect Jackson Merrill. The latest note: there is “an injury” being tracked, though details remain limited. For a club that views Merrill as a pillar of its future, every medical update matters.

What It All Means
Cutting a veteran, hearing unease about a division foe, and awaiting a prospect’s return are separate threads that share a theme: San Diego is still shaping both roster and resolve. The coming weeks will show whether the Padres’ adjustments—on the field and between the ears—can translate into the standings.