Walker Buehler Rejoins Padres' NLDS Roster After Paternity Stint
The pitcher is expected to be available for a potential Game 4 start against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Walker Buehler has been added back to the San Diego Padres' roster for the National League Division Series, rejoining the team after a brief absence due to paternity leave. Buehler was initially considered a candidate to start Game 1 of the series against the Milwaukee Brewers but was placed on the paternity list prior to the matchup.
With Buehler's return, he is now slated to be the Padres' Game 4 starter, following Nick Pivetta who is scheduled to start Game 3. The Padres signed Buehler to a minor league deal in the offseason, and he subsequently earned a spot on the Opening Day roster, becoming a consistent part of the team's rotation.
Buehler brings significant postseason experience to the Padres, holding a career ERA of 3.04 in October games. His presence is anticipated to bolster the team's efforts in the NLDS against Milwaukee.
The corresponding roster move for Buehler's return involved optioning Randy Vasquez. According to Major League Baseball rules, Buehler had to take the roster spot of the pitcher who had replaced him.
In the regular season, Buehler made 32 appearances, including 23 starts, for the Padres. He posted a 3.90 ERA over 140.2 innings pitched. Vasquez did not pitch in the first two games of the series and will not pitch again unless the Padres advance to the National League Championship Series.
The Padres are facing a deficit after losing the first two games of the series in Milwaukee and are now returning home to Petco Park for Games 3 and 4.