All-Star reliever Mason Miller of the San Diego Padres has been added to Major League Baseball’s paternity list, which means he will miss an elimination game against the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 3 of the National League Division Series. Honestly, the timing couldn’t be worse for the Padres, as they are now without their top bullpen option right before such a crucial game. They placed him on the paternity list just 45 minutes before the game was set to start.
According to MLB rules regarding the postseason, Miller can take up to three days off for paternity leave. To fill the gap, San Diego has brought veteran lefty Wandy Peralta onto the active roster. If San Diego somehow keeps its playoff hopes alive, Miller can reclaim his spot upon returning.
Interestingly, this situation draws a parallel to Yankees starter Max Fried, who is also in a similar dilemma. Fried is expected to pitch a key Game 3 while his girlfriend is due to give birth any day now. He’s made it clear that he won’t miss his start for anything. This has sparked discussions among fans about the priorities players face during playoffs.
Adding to the pressure, Miller had a tough outing last Sunday, which was his last appearance. He was tasked with securing a six-out save in Game 2 but faltered, allowing a walk-off single to Jackson Chourio with two outs and two strikes against him. It’s a bittersweet moment for him as he becomes a new dad, yet if the Padres are eliminated, the excitement of fatherhood might not be enough to lift the mood among fans.
