SAN DIEGO -- For the first time since 2005-06, the Padres are making a return trip to the postseason.
San Diego clinched its spot with Monday’s victory over Milwaukee. It’s the second year in a row the Padres have reached the playoffs and the fourth time in the last six years -- the best run of postseason prosperity in franchise history.
“That’s our identity,” said center fielder Jackson Merrill. “We’re a playoff team.”
So … now that the Padres are in, here’s a look at what comes next:
What could the postseason roster look like?
The injury to Ramón Laureano leaves the Padres with questions on their playoff roster. Gavin Sheets will presumably slide to left field, but how do they fill out their bench? Meanwhile, how do they round out the back of the bullpen? Here’s one guess at a 26-man squad:
C: Freddy Fermin, Elias Díaz
IF: Luis Arraez, Ryan O'Hearn, Jake Cronenworth, Xander Bogaerts, Manny Machado, Jose Iglesias, Will Wagner
OF: Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill, Gavin Sheets, Bryce Johnson
SP: Nick Pivetta, Michael King, Yu Darvish, Dylan Cease, Randy Vásquez
RP: Robert Suarez, Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon, Jeremiah Estrada, Wandy Peralta, David Morgan, Yuki Matsui, Bradgley Rodriguez
Who’s on the roster bubble?
Perhaps the most intriguing question for a three-game Wild Card Series is whether the Padres would carry an extra bench piece, like, say, Mason McCoy, over a 13th pitcher. They only need three starters, but they carried an extra starter last year and might carry two extras this year, with Vásquez as good an option as anyone to provide length. (Remember, extra innings no longer feature an automatic runner on second base in the playoffs, leaving the possibility for much longer games.)
The first six spots in the bullpen seem largely set, leaving Matsui and Rodriguez among those competing for the last place or two. Rosters must be set on the morning of Game 1 of each playoff series.
Whom will they play and where?
The Padres have been locked into a Wild Card Series matchup against the Cubs since Thursday, and Chicago’s victory on Saturday ensured that the best-of-three series will take place at Wrigley Field. The Cubs will have home-field advantage for each game.
The winner of that series will face the No. 1 seed in the National League, the Brewers.
What is the postseason schedule?
The NL and AL Wild Card Series will take place from Tuesday through Thursday, with the Division Series round beginning Saturday for both leagues. This year, however, the NLDS features an off-day after Game 1, with Game 2 slated for Oct. 6 (which could be valuable, if the Padres can make it that far, in resetting their pitching staff). You’ll find the most up-to-date information about schedules and potential matchups at MLB.com/postseason.
When do postseason tickets go on sale?
For full Padres postseason ticket information, click here. If they advance to the NLDS, they would host at least one game at Petco Park, with potentially as many as four home games in the NLCS and World Series. Season ticket members, waitlist members, and select suite, hospitality, and group clients have priority access to postseason tickets. Ticket sales to Padres Insiders and the public begin Sept. 27.
How have the Padres fared against other NL playoff teams?
Brewers: 4-2
Phillies: 3-3
Dodgers: 4-9
Cubs: 3-3
Reds: 2-4