How MLB's Youngest Player Is Helping The Padres Even If He Can't Fully Celebrate

Ethan Salas, 20, became MLB’s youngest catcher since 1991 and delivered clutch hits to help clinch the Padres’ playoff spot — then held a beer funnel (can’t drink yet) and a “Baby’s First Clinchmas” sign in the clubhouse.
The Padres pulled off a dramatic turnaround: dead-last offense at the All‑Star break and 50‑53 in July, they surged in the second half to clinch their third straight postseason berth.
Their bullpen (Mason Miller’s 38th save) is a clear strength heading into October, even as the rotation — helped recently by Nick Pivetta’s return — remains a question mark.