DAWG: On Just One Day's Rest After Starting Game 2 And Going Five Innings, Michael King Recorded a Six Out Save To Extend The Padres' Postseason

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The Padres entered last night's Game 3 of the NLDS on the heels of two devastating losses. Their backs were up against the wall as the Brewers zeroed in on an NLCS berth. On top of that adversity, San Diego would without their prized closer Mason Miller went on paternity leave as his wife unexpectedly went into labor with their first child. 

And to make matters worse, their other big time reliever Adrian Morejon was unavailable with a balky shoulder. Talk about the deck stacked against you when you're facing the team with the best record in the National League while on the verge of elimination. 

As the game entered the 8th inning, having already used Jason Adam, Yuki Matsui, and Bradgley Rodriguez, the Padres turned to their ace to get a six out save. Now it's not entirely uncharacteristic for starting pitchers to pitch late in an all hands on deck situation, but a starting pitcher on one day's rest? King reportedly went into the manager's office and said he would be available for Games 3, 4, and 5. Dawg. Whatever it takes. 

So what did he do? Got the six out save to extend the Padres' postseason. 

This is actually the first time something like this has ever happened. 

And funny enough, you can credit the Marlins for this. In September they reinvented the wheel a little bit, having starting pitchers pitch in high leverage on their typical throw day in between starts, maximizing their abilities on the mound. The Padres definitely took note of this and had King ready to go in the same fashion. 

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As for how King is feeling? Ready to go. 

Doesn't get better than that. That's why you pay a guy $25M a year, and honestly he's underpaid at this point based on what he's given the team since coming over from the Yankees. 

Always loved King ever since we got to know him as he was coming up the minor league levels with New York. Just an awesome guy who is incredibly smart with the way he pitches and uses analytics. Sit down with him for five minutes and you'll learn so much about pitching. He was the headliner piece going over to San Diego in the Soto trade which obviously hurt, but I'm so happy he's become the face of this rotation, earned life-changing money, and is getting the recognition he deserves. Dude is a gamer. 

Four games of baseball in front of us today. The last time we'll have this for a LONG time. Four elimination games. Let's have a day.