Padres Welcome Back Mason Miller for Elimination Game 4 Against Brewers

The San Diego Padres have activated closer Mason Miller from the MLB paternity list ahead of a must-win Game 4 of the National League Division Series. Miller, who missed the team’s Game 3 victory on Tuesday, is available to return to the bullpen as the Padres attempt to stave off elimination against the Milwaukee Brewers.

The 2026 regular-season saves leader was sidelined briefly as his wife, Jordan, gave birth to their first child, a son, on Tuesday night. While the Padres were securing a gritty win in his absence, Miller reportedly opted not to have the game broadcast in the delivery room, choosing to focus entirely on the birth of his child.

To make room for Miller on the active roster, the Padres deactivated left-handed reliever Wandy Peralta.

Miller's elite strikeout rate was a key factor in his 38-save regular season.

Miller’s return comes at a critical juncture for manager Craig Stammen’s squad. The Brewers currently hold a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series, meaning the Padres face a “do-or-die” scenario in Game 4. Having Miller back provides the bullpen with its most dominant arm; during the 2026 regular season, Miller recorded 38 saves with a 1.67 ERA. His 47.4% strikeout rate—highlighted by 129 strikeouts in just 70 innings—led all major league pitchers.

The Padres bullpen also received a positive update regarding setup man Adrian Morejon. After missing Game 3 due to shoulder discomfort, Morejon is expected to be available for Game 4. The availability of both Miller and Morejon restores the Padres’ high-leverage late-inning duo, which was fractured during the early part of the series.

The workload on the rest of the relief corps makes Miller’s fresh arm particularly valuable.

The Padres will likely look to Miller for a traditional closing role. Facing a Milwaukee lineup that has been opportunistic throughout the series, the Padres now have their primary weapon back to anchor the final innings.

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