Context:

The San Diego Padres suffered a second consecutive defeat to the New York Yankees with a 4-3 loss, despite a strong start from pitcher Dylan Cease, who carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning before it was broken by a Cody Bellinger home run. Cease left the game with a forearm issue, but expressed optimism about the severity of the injury. Padres star Jackson Merrill, who had just returned after a month-long absence due to a hamstring injury, was hit by a pitch on his elbow in the 10th inning, but manager Mike Shildt reassured fans of his condition. Merrill, having shown impressive form earlier in the season, made significant contributions with a home run and an RBI single in the game. Despite the setback, Merrill is expected to continue playing without major issues from the hit.

Dive Deeper:

• The Padres lost 4-3 to the Yankees in their second straight defeat, with Dylan Cease initially showcasing a no-hitter performance until a home run by Cody Bellinger disrupted it in the seventh inning.

• Dylan Cease exited the game due to a forearm issue, but he downplayed the seriousness of the injury post-game, which was a relief for the team.

• Jackson Merrill, a key player for the Padres, was hit by a pitch on his elbow during the 10th inning, shortly after returning from a month-long hamstring injury.

• Padres manager Mike Shildt expressed confidence that Merrill's injury was not severe, highlighting his resilience and readiness to continue contributing to the team.

• Merrill had been performing exceptionally well before his hamstring injury and demonstrated his value in the game against the Yankees by hitting a home run and an RBI single.

• The Padres had high hopes for Merrill's return, and despite the recent hit, signs indicate that he will remain an active and vital part of the lineup.

• Matthew Wadleigh, the author of the coverage, is a seasoned sports writer with a background in covering various sports teams and events, particularly those based in Southern California.

• The San Diego Padres lost their second straight game against the New York Yankees. This one came on a 4-3 loss on Wednesday night, although Dylan Cease brought a no-hitter into the seventh inning. 

• Unfortunately, Cease's no-hit bid was broken up by a Cody Bellinger home run, and the Padres pitcher left the game in the same inning with a forearm issue. 

• After the game, Cease revealed he doesn't think it's "too serious," which is good news. 

• Moreover, Padres star Jackson Merrill - who just returned to the lineup on Tuesday - was hit by a pitch on his elbow in the top of the 10th inning. 

• Jackson Merrill gets drilled in the forearm!😬 pic.twitter.com/yGPhvzRDMq

• — Baseball’s Office (@baseballsoffice) May 8, 2025 Padres fans held their breath, especially since Merrill missed a month due to a hamstring injury and just returned to the lineup on Tuesday. 

• After the game, Mike Shildt revealed that Merrill should be ok despite being hit in the forearm, per 97.3 The Fan. 

•  "Tough kid. Another big game for Jackson...I'm sure he doesn't feel great, but he doesn't feel like it's going to be compromised moving forward," Shildt said. 

• Merrill was off to a scorching start this season before suffering the hamstring injury in the third series of the year, so the Padres were excited to have him back. 

• On Wednesday, Merrill hit a home run in the fourth to break a scoreless tie, and then he added a go-ahead RBI single in the top of the eighth inning before the Yankees came back in the bottom half of the inning. 

• But, for now, all signs are encouraging for Merrill despite a hard hit on the elbow. 

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