SAN DIEGO -- For the first time since 2005-06, the Padres are making a return trip to the postseason.
San Diego clinched its spot with Monday’s victory over Milwaukee. It’s the second year in a row the Padres have reached the playoffs and the fourth time in the last six years -- the best run of postseason prosperity in franchise history.
“That’s our identity,” said center fielder Jackson Merrill. “We’re a playoff team.”
So … now that the Padres are in, here’s a look at what comes next:
What could the postseason roster look like?
The Padres will, of course, have to reduce their roster from 28 players back to 26 for the postseason, and they have some interesting decisions on their bench and in their bullpen. But for the most part, the roster will look like it has for much of the season. Here’s a guess:
C: Freddy Fermin, Elias Díaz
IF: Luis Arraez, Ryan O'Hearn, Jake Cronenworth, Xander Bogaerts, Manny Machado, Jose Iglesias
OF: Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill, Ramón Laureano, Gavin Sheets, Bryce Johnson
SP: Nick Pivetta, Michael King, Yu Darvish, Dylan Cease, Randy Vásquez
RP: Robert Suarez, Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon, Jeremiah Estrada, Wandy Peralta, David Morgan, Kyle Hart, Ron Marinaccio
Who’s on the roster bubble?
Perhaps the most intriguing question for a three-game Wild Card Series is whether the Padres would carry an extra bench piece, like, say, Will Wagner, over a 13th pitcher. They only need three starters, but they carried an extra starter last year and might carry two extras this year, with Vásquez as good an option as anyone to provide length. (Remember, extra innings no longer feature an automatic runner on second base in the playoffs, leaving the possibility for much longer games.)
The first six spots in the bullpen seem largely set, leaving Hart, Marinaccio, Yuki Matsui and Bradgley Rodriguez among those competing for the last place or two. Rosters must be set on the morning of Game 1 of each playoff series.
What’s left to play for?
The likeliest outcome for the Padres is a road Wild Card Series, presumably in Chicago against the Cubs, who occupy the top Wild Card spot. But there’s an outside chance they could host if they can finish the regular season strong.
If the Padres can overtake the Cubs -- or perhaps even the Dodgers in the National League West -- they would host a Wild Card Series at Petco Park. And recent postseasons have shown just how impactful home-field advantage can be in San Diego in October.
“That division title’s still on the line,” said Padres manager Mike Shildt. “There’s no reason why we should back down now.”
Whom will the Padres play?
The likeliest outcome is a Wild Card Series at Wrigley Field against the Cubs. The Padres seemed destined for the No. 5 seed in the NL, meaning they would travel to face the No. 4 seed in a best-of-3 series beginning Sept. 30. If they win that series, they would face the NL’s top seed -- currently Milwaukee.
If the Padres can overtake the Cubs, the two teams would still play each other, with the winner facing the Brewers, though that Wild Card Series would take place at Petco Park. If they could overtake the Dodgers, they would host the winner of the NL’s final Wild Card spot -- currently a three-team race between the Reds, Mets and Diamondbacks.
What is the postseason schedule?
The NL and AL Wild Card Series will take place from Sept. 30-Oct. 2, with the Division Series round beginning Oct. 4 for both leagues. This year, however, the NLDS features an off-day after Game 1, with Game 2 slated for Oct. 6 (which could be valuable, if the Padres can make it that far, in resetting their pitching staff). You’ll find the most up-to-date information about schedules and potential matchups at MLB.com/postseason.
When do postseason tickets go on sale?
For full Padres postseason ticket information, click here. It seems unlikely the Padres would host a Wild Card Series, but if they advance to the NLDS, they would host at least one game at Petco Park, with potentially as many as four home games in the NLCS and World Series. Season ticket members, waitlist members, and select suite, hospitality, and group clients have priority access to postseason tickets. Ticket sales to Padres Insiders and the public begin Sept. 27.
How have the Padres fared against other potential NL playoff teams?
Brewers: 3-1 (two games remaining)
Phillies: 3-3
Dodgers: 4-9
Cubs: 3-3 (Padres hold tiebreaker if they end up tied)
Reds: 2-4
Mets: 4-2
Diamondbacks: 5-5 (three games remaining)