Padres Closer Mason Miller Misses NLDS Game 3 for Paternity Leave

Key points

• Mason Miller was placed on the paternity list on October 7, 2026, to attend the birth of his first child, making him unavailable for Game 3 of the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers.
• The Padres were trailing 0-2 in the series after Miller surrendered a walk-off single in Game 2, where he walked three batters and gave up a game-winning hit to Jackson Chourio.
• Miller’s absence forced the Padres to rely on other relievers for Game 3, including starter Nick Pivetta, as the team faced elimination if they lost the game.
• Miller was activated from the paternity list for Game 4, but the Padres lost that game 3-1, with Garrett Mitchell recording a key defensive play and Aaron Ashby securing the win for Milwaukee.
• The Brewers advanced to the National League Championship Series to face the Los Angeles Dodgers, while the Padres were eliminated from the postseason.

Background

Mason Miller had a dominant regular season with 38 saves and a 1.67 ERA, but struggled in the postseason, including a blown save in Game 2 of the NLDS. The Padres had won 20 of their last 23 regular-season games, but their playoff run ended after losing Game 4 to the Brewers. The team’s reliance on Miller as a closer was a key factor in their postseason strategy, and his absence for Game 3 was a significant setback. The Brewers, led by Garrett Mitchell and Aaron Ashby, capitalized on the Padres’ bullpen issues to secure a series win and advance to the NLCS.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports reported the paternity list placement as a 'seismic development' that added pressure to the Padres’ pitching staff, emphasizing the impact of Miller’s absence on the team’s chances to avoid elimination. MLB Trade Rumors focused on the public reaction to Miller’s decision, with many fans and commentators expressing support for his choice to prioritize family, while others criticized the timing and potential consequences for the team’s playoff run. The outlets differed in their emphasis: NBC Sports highlighted the strategic impact on the Padres’ pitching staff, while MLB Trade Rumors focused on the broader cultural debate around athlete family obligations versus professional commitments.

Why it matters

The decision to place Miller on the paternity list highlighted the growing tension between elite athletes’ professional obligations and personal family responsibilities, particularly during high-stakes playoff moments. It also underscored the Padres’ reliance on a single high-leverage reliever, as their inability to replace Miller’s role contributed to their elimination. The incident sparked a broader conversation about the balance between family and work in professional sports, with many supporters arguing that family should always come first, while critics questioned the timing and potential consequences for the team’s playoff run.

What to watch

The Padres will need to evaluate their bullpen strategy for future seasons, potentially seeking additional high-leverage relievers to reduce reliance on a single closer. The Brewers will face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series, with Garrett Mitchell and Aaron Ashby expected to play key roles. The broader debate around athlete family obligations versus professional commitments may continue to influence team decisions and fan expectations in future postseasons.