The Padres gained some unexpected roster flexibility with recent paternity leaves extended to Mason Miller and Walker Buehler for the birth of their children.

Once, post season rosters are set, they can't be easily changed.

Only injuries or special situations such as birth of children or a death or serious illness in the family can allow players to be replaced on the roster.

An injured player can be replaced but is out until the specific series concludes.

However, this is different in the case of a birth of a child or the death or serious illness of a close relative.

Paternity leave for birth of a child can be from 1 to 3 days while bereavement or compassionate leave can be up to 7 days, during which players can be replaced, but then also return within the same series.

Note that players who refrain from playing for religious reasons do not allow a roster replacement. Sandy Koufax, who sat out Game 1 of the 1965 World Series for the Yom Kippur religious holiday, was not replaced on the roster. Despite losing the game he would have started, the Dodgers won the 1965 Series in seven games.

Will the good news for the Miller and Buehler families extend the Padres' post-season run?