Padres lineup must ease Mason Miller’s workload during NL Wild Card push

The Padres have spent plenty of September talking points when it comes to Mason Miller’s workload. Their lineup has a legitimate chance to end that conversation for a night with strong performances. Miller’s last three appearances were squeezed into four days, including a two-inning assignment against the Yankees. He has also pitched four times in five days twice this season. 

Craig Stammen can shuffle the bullpen only so much when every lead comes with little breathing room. That cycle is catching up with them.

Through September 12, Miller owned a ridiculous 1.16 ERA, a 48.1 percent strikeout rate and 35 saves. He’s also sitting 2 2/3 innings below his career high of 65.

The urgency is understandable. The Padres are clinging to the final NL Wild Card spot with Arizona close enough to swipe it after an ugly weekend. If the season swings on a late inning, Miller should undoubtedly have the baseball. He was acquired as a late-game weapon for moments carrying this much weight.

Forcing that moment night after night because the lineup never creates separation is how a strength gets squeezed out.

Padres hitters are part of the Mason Miller workload plan

The Padres also entered September 12 with the third-most bullpen innings in baseball. Their relievers also owned the fourth-lowest ERA. That combination tells us how they’ve reached this point. The bullpen has been excellent, and it’s been asked to get them over the finish line far more often than most teams.

Miller is only part of the concern. Adrian Morejón has already passed his previous career high in innings. Bradgley Rodriguez, Yuki Matsui, Wandy Peralta and the rest of the group have helped spread the work, while Jason Adam could provide another trusted option if his rehab leads to a return during the final two weeks.

Stammen has the arms. He just needs help from the lineup to soften the blow. From a viewership standpoint, some of us love a dramatic ninth inning, that is, until the Padres need Miller for the third consecutive night. We love San Diego’s comfort in close games until every game becomes one. There comes a point when surviving by a couple of runs begins to look expensive.

We’re also not saying the offense has to hang 10 runs on somebody every evening. They just need to create a few boring wins. Get out in front early and add on. Let somebody from the middle of the bullpen finish without forcing Stammen to reach for the emergency button.

The bullpen has carried the Padres into this race. Now the lineup owes those relievers a few quiet nights.

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