Mason Miller’s first appearance as a father came under the Petco Park lights Tuesday night, when the Padres closer worked a scoreless seventh inning in Game 4 of the NLDS. He gave up two hits and a walk, but kept San Diego close after returning from the birth of his and wife Jordan’s first child, son Lincoln.
For Miller, Oct. 6, 2026, carried more than postseason pressure. It was the day he became a dad. The Padres had known all season that he might need to step away during their playoff run, and the right-hander made the call to remain with Jordan as she went into labor before the club’s must-win Game 3.
“People tell you it changes everything, and it really does,” Miller said.
The timing could not have been scripted. Two days earlier, Miller had allowed Jackson Chourio’s walk-off single in Milwaukee in Game 2. He was preparing to head to the ballpark for Game 3 when it became clear that the birth was coming that day. With San Diego facing elimination, the bullpen plans changed, but Miller’s decision did not.
He said the contrast between the disappointment of Game 2 and being present for his family brought needed perspective. Baseball can turn quickly, he noted, but being there for his wife and newborn son was the moment that mattered.
The result
Miller and Jordan arrived at the hospital while 47,708 fans packed Petco Park for Game 3. Miller declined the chance to watch. With the adrenaline of the delivery building, he wanted his attention fully on Jordan.
Lincoln was born Tuesday evening as the Padres finished a dramatic one-run victory. Miller did not learn the details until Jordan, whom he called “amazing,” and their son were settled comfortably. Their midwife told the family that Michael King, the Padres’ Game 2 starter, had handled the final six outs for the save rather than Adrian Morejon.
“I could barely process any of it at that point,” Miller said after hearing King had closed it out.
The Padres had already planned for the possibility of Miller’s absence, and he was the second player in the series to take paternity leave. Game 4 starter Walker Buehler had welcomed a child the previous weekend.
Manager Craig Stammen said the organization’s priority was clear: a healthy baby, a healthy mother and time for both parents to be together. The club, coaches and front office had supported Miller’s plan throughout the season.
His teammates backed the decision as well. Fernando Tatis Jr. said the Padres were happy for Miller and wanted him to have time with his family. Ty France called it a difficult balance but said Miller had made the right choice.
Miller rejoined the club the following afternoon for Game 4, returning to a room filled with fellow fathers such as France, Jason Adam and Robbie Ray. Their early advice was simple: enjoy the moments and stay present.
He said he felt rested as well as could be expected, then traded the hospital’s lullabies for the ballpark soundtrack when the lights went out at 9:05 p.m. PT. His seventh inning was his first on a major league mound as a father.
“You win some and lose some,” Miller said. “But moments like this can reset you and help you come back as the best version of yourself.”
The rotation next
Walker Buehler took the ball for San Diego in Game 4, shortly after becoming a father himself the previous weekend. The Padres entered the game still alive in the NLDS after King’s six-out save had delivered the Game 3 win.
