Padres Lose Mason Miller Before Elimination Game in Surprising Coincidence
For the second time in three games, the Padres removed a pitcher from their NLDS roster for a surprising but familiar reason.
In a surprising twist, the San Diego Padres suffered the loss of closer Mason Miller just before their crucial National League Division Series game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Miller was placed on the postseason paternity list less than an hour prior to Game 3 on Tuesday, Oct. 6. The Brewers had already clinched the first two games in Milwaukee, and victory in Game 3 would have eliminated the Padres.
Notably, the Padres had previously placed starting pitcher Walker Buehler on the paternity list for Game 1, which did not affect them as Buehler was not scheduled to start that particular match. However, Miller's absence could have potentially benefited the team in a save situation during Game 3.
Miller, the 28-year-old All-Star closer, had been exceptional in the regular season, going 5-2 with a 1.67 ERA and 38 saves. He was tasked with maintaining a 3-2 lead in Game 2 against Milwaukee, but the Brewers rallied in the ninth inning, with Jackson Chourio's two-run single scoring two runs and giving Milwaukee a 4-3 victory and a 2-0 series lead.
The Padres possess one of the most formidable bullpens in baseball, even without Miller. However, it remains uncertain which Padres manager Craig Stammen would rely on in a save situation during Game 3, and possibly beyond, if the need arises. Paternity list placements during the MLB Postseason are uncommon, yet the Padres have now experienced two in a span of just four days.
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