- Ethan Salas, 20, will become the youngest catcher to play in a major-league postseason game and the youngest player to appear in the playoffs for the Padres when he starts Game 2.
- He surged after a Sept. 1 call-up (10-for-24 to finish the season), including a multi-homer game and strong defensive/instant-replay play, earning a postseason roster spot.
- The Padres are rolling (18 wins in 21, 8-0 Game 1), and Salas — a left-handed hitter — draws a matchup with righty Kevin Gausman, a fun rookie-veteran storyline.
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