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Two more games for your viewing pleasure this evening!
TV: TBS, truTV, HBO Max (streaming). Announcers: Brian Anderson, Jeff Francoeur and Lauren Shehadi.
Nick Martinez, RHP vs. Max Fried, LHP
Baseball-reference.com preview
TV: FS1. Announcers: Adam Amin, Adam Wainwright, A.J. Pierzynski and Tom Verducci.
TBD vs. Walker Buehler, RHP
With the Yankees down 0-2 to the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS, and as the series shifts to The Bronx, manager Aaron Boone made some changes to the lineup ahead of Wednesday’s Game 3 as he and the Yanks look to stave off elimination.
Facing RHP Nick Martinez, righty Anthony Volpe (batting seventh) is getting the start at second base over lefty Jazz Chisholm Jr., while righty Jose Caballero (batting ninth) is at third base over lefty Ryan McMahon.
For what it’s worth, Martinez does have reverse splits this year as right-handed hitters are hitting .261 against him compared to .236 versus left-handed hitters. However, other than Volpe and Caballero, George Lombard Jr. is the only other right-handed hitter in the lineup.
“Two guys that have been an important part of our team this year that have played important roles, that have played a lot for us and [I have] a lot of confidence in what they bring to the table,” Boone said about Volpe and Caballero. “Just kinda felt like, thinking about it on the plane ride home, made my decision there and then just stewed through the lineup yesterday and ultimately excited to get those guys in and hopefully be a little spark for us.”
New York’s offense struggled mightily in two games at Tropicana Field, scoring just two total runs on five hits. In fact, aside from Ben Rice, who had two solo shots in Game 2, the Yankees’ offense has been a disaster after they scored 18 runs in two games against the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card Series. Both of those games came at Yankee Stadium.
Back at home again, New York is hoping that being in front of its fans and the tweaks to the starting nine can be enough to keep its season alive. Either way, Boone believes in his offense, which finished the regular season tied for second in the American League in runs scored with 739.
“It’s two games. Obviously we’re gonna have to swing the bat better if we’re gonna keep this series going, but I feel like [Cody Bellinger] has had some good at-bats and I feel like there’s a number of guys more than capable of getting it going and certainly we gotta do some of that tonight,” the skipper said.
And while Chisholm and McMahon aren’t in the starting lineup, Boone said that doesn’t preclude them from potentially having an impact on the game. The skipper also added that Chisholm, who had 19 home runs this season, is “ready to go” off the bench.
“As I talked to these guys before the series, it’s gonna take all of us and Jazz might be the most important guy on the field tonight,” Boone said. “Just because you’re not in the starting lineup doesn’t mean you’re not gonna be the central figure.”
As for Volpe, this will be his second start of the postseason after going 1-for-3 in Game 1 against the Red Sox. In 78 career at-bats in the playoffs, Volpe is hitting .256 and after a whirlwind of a regular season, he finished it strong by hitting .265 in 49 at-bats in September.
“I think Anthony’s played well since coming up at the end of the year – both sides of the ball he’s done a good job,” Boone said. “So it felt like it made some sense to get him in there tonight.”
Meanwhile, Caballero doesn’t have the postseason experience that Volpe and some other Yankees on the roster do (one hit in four career at-bats), but what he lacks in experience, he makes up for in confidence.
“One thing I always say about Jose, he plays the game with a ton of confidence,” Boone said. “… He’s played a big role for us all season – actually going back to when we got him at the deadline last year. He’s an important part of this team, but I know one thing, he’ll walk out there with a lot of confidence tonight and hopefully that serves him and us well in pushing this to tomorrow.”
The last change that Boone made to the lineup was moving Trent Grisham up to the leadoff spot where Rice had been over the last three games (Paul Goldschmidt hit leadoff in Game 1 against Boston).
Grisham, who had been batting seventh in his three prior postseason starts, has hit leadoff for the Yankees in 81 games this season where he slashed .199/.303/.378. Nevertheless, he has the most experience batting first than anywhere else in the lineup throughout his career and it moves the red-hot Rice to second in the order, followed by Luis Garcia Jr. and Bellinger.
“Just the potential of the on-base there and trying to get traffic created for Benny and Garcia and Belly there,” Boone said about his reasoning for the switch. “[I] considered a lot of different ways. When Trent’s at his best, obviously he’s got that ability to get on.”
Game 4 of the NLDS between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves is already off to a frantic start, which might be expected when a team is facing elimination. After Michael Harris II did it all in the bottom of the first and scored from third on a heads-up read of a curveball in the dirt from Tyler Glasnow, it was Shohei Ohtani's turn to make his impact in the next frame.
Ohtani, batting fourth after struggling to a 2-for-10 start to the postseason, didn't swing his bat once and worked a leadoff walk on five pitches from Tyler Mahle. He stole second as Teoscar Hernández struck out swinging in the next at-bat and took third after Braves catcher Sean Murphy airmailed the throw into right field.
That was the easy part.
The Dodgers have yet to get a hit with runners in scoring position all series, a trend that continued when Max Muncy got under a splitter away from the plate and popped it up to shallow left field. Braves shortstop Mauricio Dubón drifted out to get in position for the catch with left fielder Mike Yastrzemski also in the vicinity, but the utilityman overplayed it and dropped the ball as he tried to shift back towards his left, giving Ohtani enough time to score easily from third to tie the game back up at 1-1 in the top of the second.
Oh my! Mauricio Dubón couldn't make the catch and this game is tied!
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 7, 2026
📺: FS1 pic.twitter.com/RJC8iilKyj
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shohei Ohtani scores, ties NLDS Game 4 on Mauricio Dubón gaffe
It all comes down to Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium as the Yankees look to avoid a sweep and elimination in Game 3 of the AL Division Series against the Rays.
Despite coming off an electric offensive explosion in the Wild Card Series, the Yankees offense has been unable to produce against Tampa Bay’s pitching staff, putting the Pinstripes in a two-game deficit in the ALDS. However, there is a lot to expect from Ben Rice, who has stepped up as a leader for this team in Aaron Judge’s absence. He’s gone 7-for-15 this postseason and is the first player in franchise history to have more than one multiple-home-run game under his belt in a single playoff year.
The offense is partly to blame for the Yankees’ failure to even the series, but one of the most glaring flaws from Game 2 is the infield errors that eroded the Yankees’ defensive efficiency. Boone shuffled around the lineup for Game 3, subbing José Caballero in for Ryan McMahon at third and Anthony Volpe in for Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second.
Max Fried will look to secure his second win this postseason as he prepares to face a gritty Rays lineup that’s carved through the Yankees’ rotation over the last few days. Rumors were circulating earlier this week that he may not start in Game 3 because his girlfriend is due to give birth any day now, but he met with the media on Tuesday to confirm that he’ll take the ball.
Fried got through six innings against the Red Sox, striking out six with three hits and one run allowed in the Wild Card Series. He’ll look to deny the Rays’ offense any opportunity to gain an edge, with the support of the Bronx crowd, and allow the Yankees offense the chance to explode.
Nick Martinez will make his first career postseason start against the Yankees. His last playoff appearance was with the Reds in Game 2 of the 2025 NL Wild Card Series, where he gave up four runs in the sixth inning to put the Dodgers ahead 7-2. Although his numbers have improved since joining Tampa Bay and he finished the regular season with a 3.10 ERA and 1.09 WHIP, the Yankees will have no trouble giving him a tough battle if he pitches like he did last October.
The Rays’ lineup remains consistent with Yandy Díaz in the leadoff spot, followed by Jonathan Aranda and Junior Caminero. Tampa Bay has struggled as a whole against lefties in 2026, so the optimists can turn to that with Fried on the bump.
It’ll surely be a long night of bracing for the worst and hoping for the best as the Yankees strive to keep the chase for 28 ongoing.
Teams: No. 4 seed Yankees vs. No. 1 seed Rays
Series: Rays ahead 2-0
Ballpark: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
Start time: 8:00 p.m.
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Streaming: HBO Max
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Despite playing a close game last night, the Brewers couldn’t finish the sweep and dropped their first game of the NLDS. They still have two chances to close it out, one on the road and one at home. Tonight, the Brewers will send Robert Gasser to the mound as they go for the win to advance to the NLCS, while the Padres will send Walker Buehler to stave off elimination.
It’s been rough on the road for the Brewers in the postseason. Going back to the 2018 NLCS, the Brewers have lost 12 consecutive road games. Here is the full streak:
That’s more a statistical anomaly than a full concern, as most of the current team has only been around for five of those losses. During the regular season, the Brewers were 48-33 in road games. However, in the history of the franchise, they are 6-24 in postseason road games. It can be difficult to win on the road in the postseason, and as long as the Brewers can take care of business at home, they can keep advancing. It still would be good to take some games on the road to ease that burden.
Holding a 2-1 lead, the Brewers will send Gasser to the mound. He began the season in the minor leagues, but pitched his way into a full-time starting role with the Brewers as the season went on. In his last six starts, he has a 1.67 ERA and 3.29 FIP over 32 1/3 innings, with 31 strikeouts and 12 walks. This will be his first career appearance against the Padres. He was originally drafted by them in 2021, but was traded to the Brewers as part of the Josh Hader trade.
For the Padres, Buehler gets the start. He signed a one-year contract with the Padres this season, and his results have been mixed. Overall this season, he has a 4.63 ERA and 4.51 FIP with 131 strikeouts and 57 walks. Since the All-Star Break, his ERA has dropped a bit to 3.62, but his FIP is also up at 4.72. One of his post-All-Star break starts came against the Brewers, where he allowed one run in six innings. He has a career 2.53 ERA against the Brewers during the regular season, covering four starts over 21 1/3 innings.
Buehler has also faced the Brewers three times in the postseason. The first was in Game 3 of the 2018 NLCS with the Dodgers, and he allowed four runs in seven innings with eight strikeouts as the Brewers won that game (their last road win in the postseason). He started again in Game 7 that year, and allowed just one run in 4 2/3 innings with seven strikeouts as the Dodgers won that one. His other start came in Game 1 of the 2020 NL Wild Card Series, when he allowed two runs in four innings while striking out eight.
In the bullpen, the Brewers should have plenty of rested relievers for this game. Trevor Megill and Aaron Ashby did not pitch in last night’s game, and Abner Uribe only threw seven pitches in his inning of work. Additionally, Chad Patrick, Shane Drohan, and Kyle Harrison have all not pitched in the series yet. All should be available if needed tonight.
For the Padres, the two relievers they did not use yesterday were David Morgan and Joe Musgrove. Bradgley Rodriguez and Yuki Matsui have pitched in all three games so far this series. Adrian Morejon was unavailable in Game 3, and his status for tonight is up in the air. Mason Miller has returned from the paternity list, and he will take the place of Wandy Peralta. Michael King is reportedly also available tonight after throwing 40 pitches in two innings last night and starting in Game 2.
The Brewers are using the same starters as last night, but are switching up the order. Christian Yelich moves up to second in the lineup, and Jake Bauers drops down to fifth. Cooper Pratt and Sal Frelick each move up a spot while Garrett Mitchell drops to eighth. Meanwhile, the top four in the Padres lineup remain the same, but they are switching the middle and bottom of the lineup.
First pitch is at 9:08 p.m.
Sometimes, the simplest of plays don’t work out the way players would like to have hoped.
After a routine pop fly surfaced off the bat of Max Muncy in the second inning of Game 4 of the NLDS, Atlanta Braves shortstop Mauricio Dubón completely blundered it.
Dubón ran deep towards left field and had the ball ready to easily land into his glove until he completely dropped it, resulting in the Dodgers tying the game at 1-1.
The play happened in the second inning just after Shohei Ohtani stole second, then was able to advance to third following an ill-advised throw by Braves catcher Drake Baldwin.
After Dubón’s mistimed catch, Ohtani was able to advance his way to home and tie the game.
At first, everything was looking to go right for the Braves, after they had their share of luck happen in the first inning, when Michael Harris scored on a wild pitch in the first inning.
The shocking miss on a routine play by Dubón came a night after he got the start in left field for Game 3 of the series, when he made a sensational play near the left corner of Truist Park, sticking his glove over the fence to rob Freddie Freeman of an opposite, two-run home run.
Of course, Freeman got one back against the Braves in the following inning, but avoided Dubón by hitting one over the fence in right field.
After Dubón got settled back at shortstop, the Braves got Kiké Hernández to ground out at first to end the inning.
Major League Baseball's postseason is heating up with the best teams chasing a World Series title in October, a month synonymous with greatness in baseball history.
First pitch between the Yankees and Rays is scheduled for 8 p.m. (ET) on Wednesday, Oct. 7.
TV: TBS
Streaming: Peacock
Watch the MLB Postseason on Peacock
The Yankees host the Rays on Wednesday, Oct. 7. First pitch is scheduled for 8 p.m. (ET).
See scores, results for all of today's games.
Like the Yankees, the Rays are changing up their lineup in an attempt to close out the series and advance to the ALCS, with outfielder Chandler Simpson out of the lineup but saying he could make an appearance in Game 3.
"Look, Fried's numbers against us -- he's pitched very well against us," Rays manager Kevin Cash said. "Figured a little bit more versatility, a little more balance to the lineup rather than loading up all the lefties. I would imagine it's very safe to say or assume that Chandler will play a very big role in this game."
NEW YORK - With their season on the line, Yankees manager Aaron Boone shook up the lineup for Game 3, inserting Anthony Volpe at second base and Jose Caballero at third, benching struggling Jazz Chisholm and adding Trent Grisham.
Grisham will lead off, and Caballero will bat ninth, as Boone said he wanted to try to create some traffic on the bases.
"Two guys that have been an important part of our team this year, that have played important roles, that played a lot for us, and a lot of confidence in what they bring to the table," Boone said.
"So just kind of felt like thinking about it on the plane ride home, kind of made my decision there, and then just stewed through the lineup yesterday. And yeah, hopefully excited to get those guys in and hopefully it will be a little spark for us.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Yankees vs Rays: LIVE MLB playoffs Wild Card Game
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The Milwaukee Brewers get another chance to close out the San Diego Padres with Game 4 of the National League Division Series on Wednesday, holding a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five set.
Milwaukee won the first two games of the series at home but San Diego bounced back in Game 3 on Tuesday at Petco Park to extend their season and force at least one more game. If the Padres emerge victorious tonight, the NLDS will head back to Mllwaukee for a winner-take-all Game 5.
The Brewers have lost 12 consecutive road postseason games, tying an MLB record in the process. Milwaukee and San Diego are two of baseball's five franchises that have not won a World Series title.
The winner of this NLDS will face the Atlanta Braves or Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series, which begins Sunday, Oct. 11.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brewers vs Padres LIVE updates, lineups and where to watch NLDS game today
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
The San Diego Padres needed something like this to turn the tide. The Friars dropped the first two games in their five-game set against the Milwaukee Brewers. It could have just as easily been 2-0. The Padres were on the wrong end of some misfortunate plays in Games 1 and 2. They made sure that wasn’t the case in Game 3 at home.
San Diego got out to an early lead before the Brewers tied the game at two apiece Jake Cronenworth immediately hit a go-ahead solo shot to left field. The Padres added an insurance run on a Milwaukee error that ended up being the difference maker. The Brewers tried to mount a comeback, and got another run, but couldn’t follow through. The Friars will attempt to turn the series back to Milwaukee and force Game 5 tonight.
Gasser’s lack of playoff experience is made up by some incredible recent success. The lefty pitched to a 2.87 ERA down the stretch (36.0 IP). But the Brewers’ pitcher has only played in two postseason games. Both of those contests came in 2025, where Gasser struggled. He surrendered two runs across 2 2/3 innings.
The one major question is how he’ll fare against San Diego. Throughout his short career, Gasser has never faced the Padres. That could give him an advantage over the club, but that remains to be seen. Manager Pat Murphy has also suggested that swingman Chad Patrick could be used in bulk relief during Game 4, but that’s up in the air as well.
Buehler gets a well-deserved nod for the Padres. He likely would have pitched Game 1 over Robbie Ray, but was on the paternity list to start the series. That gives Buehler a chance to redeem San Diego by forcing Game 5 in Milwaukee. He’s got the postseason tenure to do so, with a 3.04 career ERA in the playoffs (94.2 IP).
The veteran right-hander made just one start against the Brewers this season, but pitched quite well against them. Buehler twirled six innings of one-run ball, surrendering just three hits and two walks. If he can replicate that performance (and the offense can back him up), San Diego could force this series back to Milwaukee for Game 5.
The Padres’ lineup hasn’t fared that well this series. The Brewers actually outhit San Diego 11 to six last night. The Friars just made more of their opportunities. If they can eke out another win (or better yet, blow Milwaukee out), they’ll get a shot at taking the series in Milwaukee on Friday.
Tatis has been mired in an absolute slump this series. He’s gone an abysmal 1-for-14 (.071) with four strikeouts. The star right fielder did record a crucial RBI on a ground out in Game 3, but San Diego needs more from Tatis if they’re to keep their season alive. He’s been a monster in the playoffs before (.952 career postseason OPS), he just needs to unlock it at the right time.
It’s all hands on deck yet again as San Diego tries to avert disaster. Starter Nick Pivetta went a solid 4 1/3 innings of two-run ball before Jason Adam struggled to finish the fifth inning. Yuki Matsui ended the trouble before Bradgley Rodriguez covered the seventh. Then, in a surprise twist, ace Michael King pitched the final two innings. Despite some fireworks in the end, King closed out the win for San Diego.
It was odd to not see southpaw Adrian Morejon in the ninth inning with two lefties up to bat. However, it’s been revealed that Morejon is dealing with some stickiness in his throwing shoulder. With elite closer Mason Miller on the paternity list, the Friars could be without their two highest-leverage options. The Padres’ primary options out of the ‘pen are David Morgan and Wandy Peralta, neither of whom pitched in last night’s contest.
The ALDS continues with the White Sox looking to finish off a sweep of the Guardians in Chicago.
The Guardians will start rookie Daniel Espino.
The White Sox are going with journeyman lefty reliever Sean Newcomb. The game airs on TBS and HBO Max.
The Dodgers take on the Braves with a chance to finish the series, up 2-1. It’s a batter of Tylers with Glasnow against Mahle.
Tonight, the Rays can finish off a sweep in Yankee Stadium, to air on TBS and HBO Max. Max Fried will start with a defense that will look to avoid the errors and miscues that cost them in Game 2.
Nick Martinez starts for the Rays. Game time is 7 CT.
And it will be Brewers vs. Padres tonight, with Milwaukee up 2-1. Robert Gasser faces Walker Buehler.
The Dodgers will try to finish off the Braves to move onto the NLCS Wednesday night in Atlanta. The Dodgers will start RHP Tyler Glasnow while the Braves will hope that RHP Tyler Mahle can save their season. First pitch is scheduled for 5pm central time and the game broadcast will be available via Fox/FS1.
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After a demoralizing first two games of the AL Division Series in Tampa Bay, it all comes down to Wednesday night as the Yankees fight to keep their postseason run alive in Game 3.
Aaron Boone finally made some changes to the lineup and will give some of the Yankees’ bench their chance in the spotlight, most notably including Anthony Volpe, who is replacing Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second, and José Caballero, who is taking Ryan McMahon’s spot at third. This doesn’t come as a huge surprise given their egregious errors that put the Yankees in an early deficit in Game 2.
The order has been shifted to adjust to these changes, with Trent Grisham taking the leadoff spot, followed by Ben Rice and Luis García Jr. in the hole. Cody Bellinger will take the cleanup spot, followed by George Lombard Jr., and Austin Wells will notably start in the middle of the order for the first time this postseason. Rounding out the bottom of the order, Volpe will make his second postseason start this season, followed by Spencer Jones and Caballero.
At first glance, this lineup has some grit and can bring some life to the Yankees’ offense, which has struggled in this series, scoring three runs combined in the first two games. It’s an interesting choice to have Grisham batting leadoff, especially since he’s struggled in the postseason, going 0-for-6 in the Division Series, and missed the final weeks of the regular season due to a hamstring injury.
However, the new additions in Wednesday night’s lineup may give fans some pause. Volpe, who went 1-for-3 during Game 1 of the Wild Card Series with a sacrifice bunt, has the potential to contribute offensively. However, with only having 11 games at second base on his resume in the regular season, will he make an impact on the other side of the ball?
Max Fried will take the bump for the Pinstripes in his second postseason appearance this season. He will go up against righty Nick Martinez, who is 2-2 with a 2.93 ERA in nine appearances in the Bronx. Martinez is entering a hostile situation, not only because he’s a starting pitcher for the Rays, but also because he’s returning to a familiar environment, as he attended some Yankees games during his time as a student at Fordham University. He was reportedly even kicked out once after indulging in one too many adult beverages.
Adjusting the mindset from the last two games will be essential as the Yankees prepare to play in one of the most brutal, intense playoff atmospheres in the league. The key to staying alive tonight is driving some runs in early and allowing the bullpen to enter the stage in a low-risk scenario.
Here’s a look at the Rays’ lineup, unchanged from the previous two games in this series, which has Yandy Díaz in the leadoff spot followed by Jonathan Aranda and Junior Caminero.
Tyler Glasnow on the mound, a trip to the National League Championship could be secured this evening in Georgia. Joe Davis and Miguel Rojas both on the shelf for this one.
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This Tyler-squared matchup would be more fun if it weren’t elimination-flavored, no?
One game at a time. Win tonight.
The Wild Card Series between the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs was the most stress-free and lopsided playoff series the team has ever been a part of. The offense was relentless, and the pitching was dominant. It is unrealistic to expect that against the Milwaukee Brewers.
What we experienced instead was the most stressful and exhausting baseball of any playoff series in recent memory.
With the Friars kicked in the gut the first two games in Milwaukee, losing after being ahead in both games, the team had their backs against the wall in their return home to Petco Park for a must-win Game 3.
The Friar Faithful likely witnessed the best game of the season in the 4-3 win over the Brewers on Tuesday night. All phases of their game had to be on point. After getting out to a two-run lead, the Padres had to keep responding to a Brewers team that just never quits. Tenacity applies to both teams in this series, and it’s a battle to the end of nine innings to determine who is still standing at the conclusion.
The 47,708 Padres fans in attendance joined the TV audience to fight through 3 hours and 22 minutes of grueling baseball. The competition was spectacular and exhausting.
What we didn’t know going into the must-win contest was that closer Mason Miller would be absent to attend the birth of his first child. And Adrian Morejon had a sore shoulder, which would keep them both away from competition.
Down their two most high-leverage relievers, the coaching staff had to put together a plan that would cover whatever innings starter Nick Pivetta left for the bullpen.
Their secret weapon was Michael King
At the conclusion of his start versus Milwaukee in the second game of the series, King told manager Craig Stammen that he would be available for the bullpen in games 3 and 4. After throwing 72 pitches on Sunday in their 4-3 loss, King was all in on providing more depth for the pitching staff. He was a reliever before becoming a starter, a perfect setup to provide reliable depth in the bullpen.
Instead of throwing his regular between-starts bullpen on Tuesday, King reported to the bullpen at the start of the game.
Bogaerts was as surprised as the Friar Faithful
Xander Bogaerts saw King starting to warm up before the eighth inning and couldn’t believe what he was seeing. In the postgame scrum at his locker, Bogaerts’ awe was obvious.
“It’s unbelievable him being available for that,” Bogaerts said.
Being available wasn’t the end of what King was intending. When it became clear that Miller would be away for the game, King became the de facto closer for the Padres. Called into action after Stammen used Jason Adam, Bradgley Rodriguez, and Yuki Matsui from the fifth through seventh innings, King was it for the last six outs. No one outside the organization knew that Morejon was unavailable. The Padres kept that piece of information very private before the game.
When the ninth inning began without anyone warming in the bullpen, it was obvious the burden was King’s to bear.
His six-out save was his first as a major league pitcher and kept the Friars afloat to fight another day.
A must-win Game 4
Manager Craig Stammen wasn’t willing to divulge the Game 4 starter at his postgame news conference on Tuesday night, but Walker Buehler would be the logical choice. That became official a couple of hours after the game, and pitching coach Ruben Niebla also said as much in his post-game scrum with the media.
Buehler last pitched on Sept. 26 against Arizona in the last series of the regular season. He allowed five hits and three runs over 3.2 innings with three strikeouts. He was unavailable to pitch in the first two games versus Milwaukee while attending the birth of his second child in San Diego.
Activated back to the roster on Oct. 5, Buehler should be fresh and tuned up for his start.
The big question now is who will be in the bullpen to back Buehler up. All hands on deck is the battle cry for any team in the postseason. Regular season constraints and workload considerations won’t apply. The staff can’t worry about saving anyone for the next game. There won’t be a next game without winning this one.
Niebla was optimistic that both Miller and Morejon would be a part of their plan for Game 4. He said as much during his postgame comments. The decision on Morejon won’t come until they evaluate him today. Niebla reported that he threw a bullpen session before the game on Tuesday, but he wasn’t healthy enough to pitch that day.
The other player originally intended to be available on Tuesday was Gavin Sheets, who was penciled in to DH. He was scratched with a stiff neck that wasn’t responsive to treatment before the game. His availability for Game 4 will be assessed during pregame work. It was reported after the game on Tuesday that he had improved and was available in the eighth inning.
Luck and determination are needed
Hopefully, Morejon, Miller, and Sheets can all be ready for tonight, and the Padres will need more from their offense against the Brewers if they want to push the series to Game 5.
Fernando Tatis Jr. remains in a slump; he is 1-for-14 in the series. After chasing 10 of the 21 pitches he saw outside of the strike zone in the first two games, Tatis was more selective in Tuesday’s contest. He was able to make contact and drive in a run with a groundout in the third inning.
Jake Cronenworth hit a go-ahead home run to the Crone Zone in Game 3, his first meaningful contribution in the series after going 0-for-7 in the first two games. He also laid down a sacrifice bunt in the third inning that contributed to the team’s first run.
With contributions from the full lineup, the Padres will need their complete bullpen to step up. For these two home games, the entire pitching staff is available. Adam, Rodriguez, and Matsui carried the load on Tuesday. Joe Musgrove, Robbie Ray, and David Morgan will need to contribute for this series to continue.
King contends he is able to come in for Game 4 after throwing 41 pitches in his closer role in Game 3. It is likely his availability will be as an emergency-only option.
Luck and determination served the Padres well on Tuesday. They will need more of the same as well as increased contributions from their player depth. An offensive explosion would also be welcomed.
There is enough to pull this out if the team continues to play as a cohesive group and the contributions come from all through the roster. Beating this Brewers team is a challenge but the Friars have been playing with resilience and togetherness.
Both will be required to finish this out.