Don't let Jackson Merrill's return outshine this Padre's ridiculous hot streak

Jackson Merrill wasn't the only impactful hitter on the Padres who missed time due to injury recently. Yes, Merrill is obviously the franchise's golden boy, and deservingly so. The Friars just locked him in for the next decade, so he needs to be handled with the utmost care, and all the attention will naturally gravitate towards him.

While Merrill's absence was missed, Jake Cronenworth was gone, too, so let's not forget about him. Locked in since his return to play, Cronenworth's contribution cannot be overlooked.

Jake Cronenworth's return to Padres' lineup was just as needed as Merrill's

Producing a .484 on-base percentage and four extra-base hits following his one-month absence due to a right rib fracture, Cronenworth needs to be in the lineup, and fans should not forget that. A sweet left-handed swing, Cronenworth provides the spark when guys like Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, or Jackson Merrill make an out.

In seven games this month, Cronenworth has eight hits, six walks, and five runs scored. That level of production is pretty incredible, especially considering he was benched for a full month rehabbing from an injury around his core.

A two-time All-Star and a career Padre, Cronenworth has played like a star in 2025. He's a .293 hitter entering May 17 alongside career-best numbers in OPS+ (179), OPS (.992), and slugging percentage (.552). He's also clipped multi-hit games in three of the last six contests. These are the slash lines and game logs that Friar fans want to see, as we are almost 50 games into the regular season. As San Diego makes the mad dash towards the Dodgers in the NL West standings, trailing by only one game for first place, it's players like Cronenworth whose value is most important.

The superstars will get it done, but let us not forget about a guy like Cronenworth. He is far too vital in putting this team over the top, and he is the guy who can make or break what is deemed to be an elite (and complete) lineup.