Padres Will Set NLDS Roster Before Game 1
The San Diego Padres are finalizing their roster ahead of their upcoming NLDS matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Baseball
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The San Diego Padres will finalize their roster Saturday morning before Game 1 of the NLDS. The team will shift to a roster configuration featuring 12 pitchers and 14 position players to prepare for the longer series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Why it matters
The NLDS demands more depth than the previous Wild Card round, requiring more starting pitchers and coverage for additional innings. Adjusting the player roster ensures the team is prepared for the increased pitching workload required in the division series.
The Padres are expected to carry 12 pitchers and 14 position players for the upcoming series. This marks a shift from the Wild Card Series, where the club carried 15 hitters and currently maintains three catchers on the active roster.
The players
San Diego Padres
The professional baseball team based in San Diego that competes in the National League West division of Major League Baseball.
Joe Musgrove
A starting pitcher for the San Diego Padres who helped secure the team's victory over the Chicago Cubs.
Milwaukee Brewers
The professional baseball team that the San Diego Padres will face in the upcoming National League Division Series.
Randy Vasquez
A pitcher for the San Diego Padres who recently saw significant action during the team's regular-season finale.
Michael King
A pitcher for the San Diego Padres who is expected to serve in a starting role for the second game of the NLDS.
The details
Following a two-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs, the club is evaluating its options for the next round. During the finale, pitcher Randy Vasquez threw 68 pitches, while Joe Musgrove showed strength in the ninth inning with a fastball reaching 96.8 mph.
Timeline
September 2026: Randy Vasquez threw 68 pitches in the season finale.
October 3, 2026: The Padres completed a two-game series sweep of the Chicago Cubs.
October 3, 2026: Joe Musgrove pitched one inning, allowing two hits and one walk.
October 4, 2026: The Padres will finalize the roster and play Game 1.
Season Trajectory
Moving from the Wild Card Series to the NLDS forces the San Diego Padres to prioritize pitching depth over position player versatility to survive a best-of-five format. This roster adjustment is essential for maintaining the competitive advantage needed to overcome the Milwaukee Brewers.
The transition to a 12-pitcher roster suggests Michael King and Nick Pivetta will likely be locked into start slots for Games 2 and 3. Fans should watch for the official roster announcement Saturday morning to confirm the final bullpen depth and position player availability.
The takeaway
Postseason success relies on having the right balance of arms available to cover longer series requirements. Keeping track of roster movements in early October is the best way to understand how the club plans to navigate their path toward a championship.
Further reading
For additional context on the team's postseason progress, read more in our Baseball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MLB.
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