The San Diego Padres are winning games, and people are starting to notice the major reason why. The San Diego Padres are winning games, and people are starting to notice the major reason why. Merrill is best suited hitting 5th in the Padres lineup behind Ty France and Manny Machado. He's moved down to second in the lineup before, but the lineup feels more balanced with him right in the middle of it. If manager Craig Stammen keeps Merrill 5th, this is the best lineup the Padres can put out there after the addition of Austin Hays.