San Diego – The San Diego Padres announced Tuesday that All‑Star closer Mason Miller will be on the postseason paternity list, meaning he must miss at least one game and can be away for up to three days. Miller’s wife, Jordan, went into labor Tuesday afternoon, and the team said the new father will be with his family while the club faces elimination in Game 3 of the National League Division Series.
Impact on the bullpen
Miller, 28, entered the series with a 0‑1 record and a 6.75 ERA over 2 2/3 innings in two appearances. He took the loss in Game 2 after a brief eight‑pitch effort in the eighth inning and then returned for the ninth, where three walks and a game‑winning single by Jackson Chourio gave the Brewers a 4‑3 victory.
With Miller unavailable, left‑hander Wandy Peralta will remain on the active roster until the Padres can replace the closer. Peralta, 35, posted a 3‑3 record with a 3.61 ERA in 65 regular‑season games last year, providing a veteran presence in the middle relief role.
Series outlook
The Brewers lead the best‑of‑five series 2‑0 and can clinch the NLDS on Tuesday night. If the series extends, Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday in San Diego, and a decisive Game 5 would move to Milwaukee on Friday.
Miller’s season achievements
During the regular season, Miller was a key component of the Padres’ staff, posting a 5‑2 record with a 1.67 ERA. He tied for the National League lead with 38 saves and 57 games finished, striking out 129 batters in 70 innings while issuing 26 walks. His performance earned him his second All‑Star selection, the first while wearing a Padres uniform.
Additional roster moves
The Padres also reported that first baseman Gavin Sheets will sit out Game 3 because of neck stiffness. Earlier in the week, starting pitcher Walker Buehler was placed on the postseason paternity list after his wife gave birth. Right‑hander Randy Vasquez filled Buehler’s spot on the active roster before Buehler returned on Monday.
Buehler, a two‑time World Series champion with the Los Angeles Dodgers, finished his first season in San Diego with a 9‑6 record and a 4.63 ERA over 32 starts. He did not pitch in the NL wild‑card sweep against the Chicago Cubs, and Game 1 of the NLDS would have been his first start in the series.
What fans can expect
Padres fans will be watching closely to see how the bullpen adjusts without its premier closer. The team’s depth will be tested, and manager Mike Shildt will likely rely on a combination of Peralta, veteran relievers, and younger arms to bridge the gap. The outcome of Game 3 will determine whether the Padres can force a comeback or see the Brewers close out the series.
Regardless of the result, the Padres’ ability to rally around personal milestones, such as Miller’s new fatherhood, reflects the family‑first values that resonate with the San Diego community.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
