SAN DIEGO -- Padres closer Mason Miller was placed on the paternity list on Tuesday ahead of Game 3 of the National League Division Series against Milwaukee.
Left-hander Wandy Peralta took Miller’s place on the NLDS roster.
Miller’s wife, Jordan, went into labor on Tuesday afternoon, the Padres said.
Miller is the lockdown closer at the back end of the San Diego bullpen, which has been one of the best in baseball this season. He’d posted a 1.67 ERA across 66 appearances during the regular season -- though he blew the save in Game 2 in Milwaukee on Sunday, allowing Jackson Chourio’s walk-off two-run single.
Per the stipulations on the paternity list, Miller will be away from the team for one to three days. The Padres did not offer details on Miller’s potential return. If he’s not back for Game 4 on Wednesday, he would rejoin the roster for a potential Game 5 on Friday.
Of course, the Padres need to win Game 3 to ensure a Game 4 in the first place. With Miller out, that path gets trickier.
Left-hander Adrian Morejon presumably slides into the closer role. The Padres’ excellent bullpen extends well beyond just Miller. Jason Adam and Bradgley Rodriguez are the primary setup options, with left-hander Yuki Matsui available to cover pockets of lefties.
The addition of Peralta gives the Padres bullpen another left-handed option. Morejon and Matsui were the only two serious lefty relief options. (Robbie Ray started Game 1.)
If any bullpen were equipped to handle Miller’s absence, in theory, it should be this one. Morejon and Adam were All-Stars last season. Rodriguez and Matsui are coming off breakout seasons. Ace Michael King might even be available in relief, according to manager Craig Stammen.
Right-hander Walker Buehler, who missed the first two games of the Division Series while on the paternity list was also reinstated ahead of Game 3. He was available out of the bullpen as well.
Per league rules, when or if Miller rejoins the Padres this series, it would need to be Peralta who gives way on the roster.