MLB

Miller returns from paternity list, tosses scoreless 7th in Game 4

October 8, 2026

San Diego Padres reliever Mason Miller took an unexpected but meaningful detour from his playoff role on Tuesday, stepping away from Game 4 of the NLDS to welcome the birth of his first child with wife Jordan. The milestone came just hours before the high-stakes matchup, forcing Miller to prioritize family over baseball—a decision the team had anticipated all season.

With the Padres facing elimination pressure, manager Craig Stammen emphasized the organization’s support for players balancing personal and professional demands, noting this was the second time in the series a player had left due to paternity reasons after starter Walker Buehler also stepped aside last weekend. Miller, who had hoped for a non-game day, described the experience as life-altering, crediting his teammates and coaches for their understanding as he focused solely on the birth of his son, Lincoln, rather than the game unfolding without him.

The emotional moment underscored the Padres’ resilience amid adversity, as the team navigated a rollercoaster series while two key pitchers adjusted their priorities. Miller’s transparency about his absence—arranged in advance with the team’s approval—highlighted the modern athlete’s dual responsibilities, even as the franchise remained committed to its postseason push.

With both parents now settled and the baby healthy, Miller reflected on the perspective gained from balancing fatherhood with his career, vowing to return with the same intensity that defines his role as the team’s dominant closer.