Full Breakdown
Padres face elimination without All-Star closer Mason Miller
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Miller’s sudden paternity-list move before Game 3
On October 7, 2026 (occurred), the San Diego Padres placed right-hander Mason Miller on the postseason paternity list about 45 minutes before the scheduled first pitch of Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. The move removed the team’s league-leading closer from a must-win, elimination-game roster. Left-hander Wandy Peralta was added to the active roster in Miller’s place, and the Padres entered the game with a 0-2 series deficit.
Background & context
The Padres and Brewers had each won their opening two games by a single run, creating a rare three-game, one-run series start. With the series tied 2-1 after Game 3, the Padres needed a victory to stay alive. Their bullpen, already strained, lost its top two relievers—Miller and setup man Adrian Morejón, who was sidelined with shoulder “stickiness.” Manager Craig Stammen therefore turned to starter-turned-reliever Michael King to close the game.
Data & statistics
- Mason Miller (2026 regular season): 38 saves (tied NL lead), 1.67 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 129 strikeouts in 70 innings; fastball regularly touched 104 mph.
- Michael King (Game 3): entered in the eighth inning, threw 72 pitches (six-out save), allowed one hit and two walks.
- Brewers’ record: MLB-best regular-season record, entering the series as the favorite.
Official statements & responses
- Craig Stammen explained that Miller had communicated his decision to stay with his wife, and the club waited until shortly before game time to make the final roster call.
- MLB Communications clarified that the postseason paternity list permits a player to be away for a minimum of one day and a maximum of three days, after which the replacement returns to the roster.
Verbatim quotes
- “I know that I have bullets in my arm that I don’t want to save.” — Michael King
- “He decided that he needed to stay with his wife.” — Craig Stammen, Padres manager
- “The cardinal rule is pretty much: You don’t beat yourself. And I beat myself today.” — Mason Miller
- “Can’t do much about the first two games, but all three games have been really good baseball.” — Xander Bogaerts, veteran shortstop
- “I think we’ve seen some of that [loss of command] from Mason, and it mostly happens in the appearances where he goes more than one inning.” — Craig Stammen, Padres manager
What’s next
Game 4 is scheduled for the following night at Petco Park. Miller remains eligible to return for that game if the Padres win, but his exact availability will depend on the timing of his child’s birth. Should the series extend, a potential Game 5 would be played in Milwaukee.