For the first time in franchise history, the Padres have reached the postseason in three straight years. They’re making September clinch celebrations a habit.
As with any postseason clinch, a number of questions follow about the days and weeks ahead. Here’s what you need to know:
Who makes the postseason roster?
Some critical questions loom. Namely: Would the Padres continue to carry three catchers in the postseason? If not, would top prospect Ethan Salas be one of the two they keep? Plus, what’s the status of Gavin Sheets and Miguel Andujar moving forward? Sheets was activated on Saturday, but Miguel Andujar remains on the IL with a right wrist fracture. Here’s an early guess at the Padres’ Wild Card Series roster:
C (3): Luis Campusano, Freddy Fermin, Ethan Salas
IF (5): Ty France, Jake Cronenworth, Xander Bogaerts, Manny Machado, Gavin Sheets
OF (6): Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill, Dustin Harris, Samad Taylor, Austin Hays, Jase Bowen
SP (4): Michael King, Nick Pivetta, Walker Buehler, Robbie Ray
RP (8): Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon, Jason Adam, Bradgley Rodriguez, Yuki Matsui, Wandy Peralta, Randy Vásquez, David Morgan
Who will the Padres play, and where?
The Padres are locked into a Wild Card Series rematch against the Cubs -- only this time it's going to come at Petco Park.
Chicago eliminated San Diego last October in a tense, three-game Wild Card Series at Wrigley Field. But with their victory over the Diamondbacks on Saturday night, the Padres secured home-field advantage. They've gone 51-30 at Petco Park this season.
What is the Wild Card Series schedule?
Game 1: Tuesday, Sept. 29, 7 p.m. PT (NBCSN/Peacock)
Game 2: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 7 p.m. PT (NBCSN/Peacock)
Game 3 (if necessary): Thursday, Oct. 1 (time and network TBD)
If the Padres advance to the NL Division Series, that would begin Saturday in Milwaukee.
What is the playoff rotation?
The Padres adjusted their rotation so King could take the ball on the final day of the season if that game against Arizona proved decisive. Instead, because they clinched early, King will take the ball in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series.
Who follows him? Pivetta has been sharp since returning from the IL after five months on the sideline with a flexor strain. He's an obvious candidate for Game 2.
Game 3 might come down to a choice between Robbie Ray and Walker Buehler. In either case, the Padres will almost certainly rely heavily on their bullpen, no matter who's starting. It's been the best bullpen in baseball this season.
What health concerns are there?
Casey Mize landed on the injured list with a right ankle sprain on Saturday, ruling him out through the NLDS. It seems unlikely Joe Musgrove would join the mix. Lucas Giolito isn’t really an option either, but it’s unlikely he’d have cracked the rotation anyway.
In the bullpen, Jeremiah Estrada is doubtful for at least the early rounds of the playoffs as he deals with a shoulder impingement. But Jason Adam has returned from a shoulder issue of his own (though his workload could be limited).
Meanwhile, on offense, Sheets is back in the mix, and Andujar (right wrist fracture) could soon join him on the active roster.