Closer Mason Miller hits paternity list 45 minutes before the Padres’ season is on the line

San Diego Padres All-Star reliever Mason Miller will miss an elimination game against the Milwaukee Brewers after being placed on Major League Baseball’s paternity list ahead of Game 3 of the National League Division Series.

Miller couldn’t have picked a worse time to step away, leaving San Diego without its top bullpen weapon right before a win-or-go-home Game 3. The team placed him on the paternity list 45 minutes before the start of the game.

Mason Miller of the San Diego Padres adjusts his cap after walking Gary Sanchez of the Milwaukee Brewers during the ninth inning of Game 2 of the National League Division Series at American Family Field on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wis. (The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)

Under MLB’s postseason paternity rules, Miller is allowed up to three days off.

The Pads plugged that hole by putting veteran lefty Wandy Peralta on the active roster. If San Diego somehow manages to keep its season alive, Miller gets his spot back whenever he returns.

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Baseball fans couldn’t help but draw comparisons to Yankees starter Max Fried, who finds himself in the exact same boat. Fried is slated to pitch a crucial Game 3 with his girlfriend due any day, but he publicly confirmed he isn’t skipping his start for anything. Seeing Fried post up for his team while Miller sits out an elimination game brought the debate over playoff priorities right to the forefront.

Mason Miller #22 of the San Diego Padres walks off the field after giving up a game-winning two-run single to Jackson Chourio #11 of the Milwaukee Brewers in the ninth inning of Game 2 of the National League Division Series at American Family Field on Oct. 4, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wis. (The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)

Making matters worse, Miller’s last act on Sunday was a total disappointment. Trusted to secure a six-out save in Game 2, he unravelled with two outs and two strikes in the ninth, giving up a walk-off single to Jackson Chourio.

Congratulations are in order for the new dad, but if San Diego gets eliminated, fans won’t be in much of a mood to celebrate.

Adrian Morejon and Mason Miller of the San Diego Padres look on during NLDS workouts at Petco Park on Oct. 5, 2026, in San Diego, Calif. (Getty Images)

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Alejandro Avila is a longtime writer at OutKick, living in Southern California.