The Padres will be without Walker Buehler for the start of the National League Division Series, with the right-hander placed on the Paternity List Saturday just hours before Game 1 against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Buehler was on San Diego’s original 26-man NLDS roster, but the club replaced him with Randy Vasquez after the move. Buehler’s wife, McKenzie, is expected to give birth to their second child on Saturday.
Major League Baseball announced the roster switch and outlined the timing of Buehler’s absence: "Major League Baseball announced today the placement of San Diego Padres pitcher Walker Buehler on the Postseason Paternity List. During Buehler’s absence, pitcher Randy Vasquez will be an active member of San Diego’s National League Division Series roster.
Buehler will be allowed to be away from the Club for a minimum of one day and a maximum of three days. Upon his return, Buehler will take Vasquez’s place on the Padres’ active roster."
Buehler’s status came as a mild surprise when he wasn’t chosen to start Game 1, though the Padres appeared to be preparing for this possibility and turned to left-hander Robbie Ray instead.
Even with the roster change, manager Craig Stammen made it clear Buehler still figures into the postseason plan. "Walker will play a big role in this series at some point," Stammen said on Friday.
"I don't know when that is. But he's got such a playoff pedigree that it will be hard for us to leave him out and not give him a chance to put his mark on the series."
Because the paternity absence can last no more than three days, Buehler is expected to be back in time for Tuesday’s Game 3 at Petco Park. Michael King is set to start Game 2 on Sunday.
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