Padres Manager Explains Decision to Leave Closer in Game Despite Struggles

San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen shared his decision-making process regarding closer Mason Miller’s performance on Sunday. Despite facing challenges in the ninth inning, Miller remained in the game during the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Miller began strong, effectively handling the Brewers in the eighth inning. He faltered in the ninth, walking the bases loaded with two outs. Nevertheless, Stammen chose to keep Miller on the mound to confront Jackson Chourio, who ultimately hit a single that scored two runs, leading the Brewers to a 2-0 series advantage as they move to San Diego.

“Going into the game, we were thinking of Mason for six outs anyway,” Stammen noted post-game. “Especially with how quick the eighth inning went for him, he was just battling the strike zone at the end.”

Miller’s performance this season has been outstanding, boasting a 1.67 ERA over 70 innings and striking out 129 batters. He achieved 38 saves in 41 opportunities, leading the National League. However, he hadn’t managed a six-out save since his tenure with the Athletics in 2024.

Impact of the Loss on the Padres

Following Sunday’s loss, the Padres face the challenge of winning three consecutive games to advance to the National League Championship Series (NLCS). The absence of Michael King, their top starter, in the next two games exacerbates their difficulties.

Despite these setbacks, the Padres have previously excelled against the Brewers, sweeping them in a three-game series in the latter part of the season. With a robust performance, they could potentially extend the series to five games.

The immediate focus, however, is Game 3. The Padres aim to initiate their comeback with Nick Pivetta leading the charge on Tuesday night at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT.