In a remarkable coincidence — and a case of bad timing — the San Diego Padres lost another pitcher to the paternity list immediately before a National League Division Series game against the Milwaukee Brewers. All-Star closer Mason Miller was placed on the postseason paternity list less than an hour before Game 3 of the best-of-five series on Tuesday, Oct. 6. The Brewers won the first two games of the series in Milwaukee, and can eliminate the Padres with a win at Petco Park.
Amazingly, the Padres placed starting pitcher Walker Buehler on the paternity list immediately prior to Game 1 of the series on Saturday. Buehler, however, wasn't scheduled to start that game in Milwaukee, so it didn't cost them. Miller, the Padres' closer, might have been available to manager Craig Stammen in a save situation in Game 3 — until he was taken off the roster.
During Miller's absence, pitcher Wandy Peralta will be an active member of the Padres' roster. More news: Padres-Brewers NLDS Game Ends in Controversy After Fly Ball Hits Roof Miller will be allowed to be away from the team for a minimum of one day and a maximum of three days. Upon his return, Miller will take Peralta's place on the Padres’ active roster — assuming San Diego is still alive in the series.
Miller, 28, went 5-2 with a 1.67 ERA and 38 saves in the regular season. He was tasked with holding a 3-2 lead in Game 2 of the series Sunday in Milwaukee, but became the losing pitcher when Milwaukee rallied in the ninth inning. More news: Padres Rookie on Brink of 123-Year MLB Postseason History After failing to score in the eighth inning, the Brewers loaded the bases against Miller in the ninth.
Jackson Chourio's two-run single scored two runs to give Milwaukee a 4-3 win — and a 2-0 lead in the series. The Padres have one of the deepest bullpens in baseball even without their hard-throwing closer. But it's unclear who manager Craig Stammen would use in a save situation in Game 3, and possibly longer, if one emerges.
Paternity list placements during the MLB Postseason are rare. Yet one team has suddenly seen two in the span of four days. For more MLB news, visit Newsweek Sports.
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