The Padres are still alive and they are getting their closer back. The club announced that Mason Miller has been activated from the paternity list for tonight’s game, replacing left-hander Wandy Peralta. Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reported earlier that Miller’s activation would happen before tonight’s game.
Miller was placed on the paternity list yesterday, before Game 3 against the Brewers, with Peralta added in Miller’s place. The Padres were down 2-0 in the best-of-five series and needed a win to save their season. They had to do it without Miller and also left-hander Adrián Morejón. It wasn’t publicly known prior to the game but manager Craig Stammen later revealed to reporters, including AJ Cassavell of MLB.com, that Morejón was unavailable due to “stickiness” in his shoulder.
With their backs against the wall and the staff banged up, all other hands were on deck for the Friars last night. Nick Pivetta started and allowed two runs over 4 1/3 innings. Jason Adam, Yuki Matsui and Bradgley Rodriguez combined for 2 2/3, getting the Friars through seven with a 4-3 lead. With no Miller and no Morejón, the Friars went to starter Michael King, who closed the game out with two scoreless innings. When King got in trouble in the ninth, Robbie Ray and Joe Musgrove were warming in the bullpen.
The Padres have made the series 2-1 but they are still in do-or-die mode tonight. They will at least have Miller back. Per Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune, Stammen says he hoping for Morejón to be available. Stammen says King will be available to pitch again tonight, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Walker Buehler is starting for San Diego and Robert Gasser for Milwaukee.
Photo courtesy of Denis Poroy, Imagn Images