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Mason Miller is back with the San Diego Padres at a crucial moment. The club activated its superstar closer from the paternity list Wednesday afternoon, making him available for Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Petco Park.
The Padres trail the series two games to one and face elimination Wednesday night. First pitch is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET, with the game airing on FS1, FOX Deportes and FOX One. Walker Buehler is expected to start for San Diego, while Miller could return to the bullpen in a high-pressure postseason setting.
Mason Miller Returns for a Critical NLDS Game
Miller temporarily stepped away from the team after his wife, Jordan, went into labor Tuesday afternoon. She gave birth to a boy, Lincoln, during the Padres’ 4-3 victory over Milwaukee in Game 3.
Speaking after rejoining the club, Miller said the baby was healthy and Jordan was doing well. He also acknowledged that the timing was difficult to predict, adding that he had hoped the birth would happen during an off-day or while the team was back home.
“Everything went really well — baby’s healthy, Jordan is doing really well,” Miller said, according to MLB.com. “So I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”
The Padres placed Miller on the paternity list before Game 3 and added left-hander Wandy Peralta to the roster. Once Miller was activated Wednesday, Peralta was removed from the postseason roster.
Historic Season Makes His Return Significant
Miller’s return gives San Diego one of the most dominant relief weapons in baseball just when the club needs stability. The right-hander posted a 1.67 ERA across 70 innings during the regular season and recorded 129 strikeouts, the most ever by a reliever in Padres franchise history.
His ability to handle the eighth or ninth inning could dramatically reduce the pressure on a bullpen that has been pushed hard during the opening games of the series. Miller was originally asked to record a six-out save in Milwaukee, but he surrendered a walk-off, two-run single to Jackson Chourio after recording five outs.
Despite that difficult outing, San Diego has continued to rely on Miller as a key late-inning presence. His fastball, slider and postseason experience make him a major factor in a game the Padres must win to keep their season alive.
Adrian Morejon’s Status Remains Uncertain
While Mason Miller is officially available, Adrian Morejon’s status remains less certain. The left-hander is dealing with fatigue and “some stickiness” in his left shoulder, according to manager Craig Stammen.
Morejon played catch with the rest of the Padres’ relievers Wednesday and could go through his normal pregame routine before the team decides whether he can pitch. Stammen said the club would consult with Morejon, trainers and the coaching staff before finalizing the pitching plan.
Morejon appeared in Game 1 and threw two innings but was unavailable in Game 2. He was in the bullpen during Game 3 but never got loose, leading San Diego to turn to Michael King for the final two innings.
The left-hander was an All-Star in 2025 and finished the 2026 regular season with a 2.83 ERA over 86 innings. If he is cleared to return, the Padres would gain another valuable option alongside Miller.
Michael King Could Still Be Needed
King delivered one of the biggest performances of the series in Game 3, recording a dramatic six-out save. However, he has already thrown 72 pitches in Game 2 and another 40 in Game 3, leaving the Padres eager to avoid overusing him.
Stammen admitted that King remains available if necessary, emphasizing the urgency of an elimination game. Still, the return of Miller and the possible availability of Morejon could allow San Diego to protect King as much as possible.
“There is no tomorrow if we don’t win tonight,” Stammen said.
The Padres’ bullpen plan will likely depend on how Morejon feels during warmups and how the game develops. With Miller back, San Diego has a much stronger chance of navigating the late innings without asking King to carry another enormous workload.
What Mason Miller’s Return Means for San Diego
- More late-inning firepower: Miller gives the Padres an elite closing option.
- Less pressure on Michael King: His availability could prevent another heavy workload.
- More flexibility: Morejon’s possible return would strengthen the left-handed relief group.
- Higher stakes: San Diego must win Game 4 to extend the NLDS.
For Miller, the night carries both professional and personal significance. He is returning from an important family moment to help the Padres fight for their postseason lives. For San Diego, his presence could be the difference between another dramatic bullpen battle and a more controlled path through the final innings.
FAQs About Mason Miller and the Padres
Is Mason Miller available for NLDS Game 4?
Yes. The Padres activated Mason Miller from the paternity list Wednesday afternoon, and he is expected to be available out of the bullpen.
Why was Mason Miller placed on the paternity list?
Miller left the team after his wife, Jordan, gave birth to their son, Lincoln, during the Padres’ Game 3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.
What are Mason Miller’s 2026 regular-season numbers?
Miller posted a 1.67 ERA in 70 innings and recorded 129 strikeouts, the most by a reliever in Padres franchise history.
Will Adrian Morejon pitch in Game 4?
Morejon’s status is uncertain because of left shoulder fatigue. He was expected to complete his pregame routine before the Padres made a final decision.
Why is Game 4 a must-win for San Diego?
The Padres trail Milwaukee two games to one in the NLDS. A loss would eliminate San Diego from the postseason.
