IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Oct 7, 2026 10:01 PM
San Diego fortifies its bullpen for a do-or-die Game 4, welcoming back their elite closer while an iron-armed Michael King prepares to pitch on zero days' rest.
Once again, the San Diego Padres are facing a must-win, this time in Game 4 of the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Padres managed a 4-3 win on Tuesday night to avoid a sweep. Superstar closer Mason Miller was placed on the paternity list, and he was absent from Game 3.
That led to Michael King getting a two-inning save despite King starting Game 2 on Saturday.
King's two-inning save was historic by plenty of means, and Craig Stammen said King approached him before the game and said he was available.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Padres activated Miller from the paternity list, and Wandy Peralta was the corresponding move to open Miller's spot.
As far as King goes, Stammen was asked if he would be available for Game 4. Here was the exchange with reporters before the game, via Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.
“Is Micheal King available in Game 4?”
Craig Stammen: “Yes.”
“Really?”
“Yep.”
King also told Stammen he would be ready for a potential Game 5, so the ace is doing anything he can to help his team in the time of need.
Padres Lineup for Game 4
The lineup surfaced on Wednesday afternoon, with a couple of changes.
- Fernando Tatis Jr., right field
- Jackson Merrill, center field
- Manny Machado, third bae
- Ty France, first base
- Austin Hays, DH
- Xander Bogaerts, shortstop
- Luis Campusano, catcher
- Jake Cronenworth, second base
- Samad Taylor, left field
Walker Buehler is the starter for the Padres.
Stammen kept Merrill in the No. 2 spot, but he is sitting Ethan Salas and going with Campusano, while having both Hays and Taylor in the lineup once again.
At the time of publication, the Brewers lineup was not released, but it is Robert Gasser who takes the mound for Milwaukee.
Yes, that name is familiar, and Gasser was a Padres prospect who was sent to the Brewers in 2022 in the deal that brought Josh Hader to San Diego.
The Padres loaded up on right-handed bats against Gasser, and it gives Stammen names such as Gavin Sheets, Miguel Andujar and others to come off the bench if needed.
The biggest thing to keep an eye on is Michael King, and using him again would potentially impact his status for Game 5, but the Padres just need to worry about winning this one before thinking about the future.
Game 4 is on Wednesday night at Petco Park, and it is win or go home.
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