The latest on Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon ahead of Brewers-Padres NLDS Game 4
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Heading into Tuesday, the Padres likely didn't plan on their NLDS Game 2 starting pitcher being their Game 3 closer. But with Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon unavailable out of the bullpen, San Diego did indeed turn to Michael King, who got the final six outs in a 4-3 victory over the Brewers to extend his team's season for at least one more day.
King will almost certainly rest in Game 4. But will either Miller or Morejon return to his normal role out of the 'pen tonight?
Miller was placed on the paternity list Tuesday, when his wife, Jordan, went into labor. Players on the paternity list can be away from their club for one to three days. According to pitching coach Ruben Niebla, the Padres are "anticipating" Miller returning for Game 4. However, if he decides to take the full three days away, Miller would still be available for a possible Game 5 on Friday in Milwaukee.
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Morejon's status is more uncertain and concerning. One of the best setup men in the league this season, he is dealing with fatigue in his left shoulder. Manager Craig Stammen termed it as "stickiness" and didn't want to push the southpaw too hard. Morejon did play catch before Game 2 and threw off of bullpen mound. But it's far from a guarantee that his throwing shoulder will feel good enough for him to give it a go if needed tonight.
Morejon, a pending free agent, posted a 2.83 ERA over 86 innings during the regular season. His 76 appearances tied for the fourth most among relievers while those 86 innings were the third most. He last pitched in Game 1 on Saturday and was tagged with the loss as he gave up three hits, including a go-ahead home run to Brewers catcher William Contreras in the seventh inning, over two innings of work.
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Relievers Bradgley Rodriguez, Yuki Matsui and Jason Adam all pitched in Game 3, so San Diego's bullpen -- which is the team's greatest strength -- is very much in flux ahead of another must-win game. Stammen left the door open for Joe Musgrove to be a late-inning contributor. The longtime starter appeared in his first game since 2024 on Sept. 29, when he closed out Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Cubs.
Having him and possibly Miller backing up Game 4 starter Walker Buehler gives the Padres two quality options to call upon tonight. Where else they turn for relief is pretty much anyone's guess.