LOS ANGELES — The Padres didn’t know on Tuesday afternoon when they would be celebrating a playoff berth.
Whenever it is, though, there is no doubt they will be celebrating.
“Something I learned very early on is any chance you get to celebrate in this game, you celebrate,” pitcher Joe Musgrove said. “There’s certain guys that won’t make the playoffs for us, won’t be around, won’t be part of this group ever again, and they deserve to have the ability to celebrate and enjoy the moment that has been built up for six months.”
The Padres’ next victory guarantees them a spot in the postseason. (If that doesn’t happen Tuesday, there are also other results Wednesday or beyond that could assure the Padres a berth.)
Whenever the spot is secured, no matter whether there is a division title still on the line, the Padres plan to pop champagne.
“We want the division, but I don’t think we’re gonna celebrate less because there’s still something to go,” Musgrove said. “Obviously, we’re not gonna go get (drunk) when we’ve got games (remaining) that matter. But it’s a hell of an accomplishment, and it deserves to be celebrated. The intensity of the celebration is going to be (determined) in the moment. I think we have enough guys here that have their eyes on the prize to be able to wrangle everybody in.”
Kim update
Ha-Seong Kim is expected to work the next few days at the Padres’ facility in Peoria, Ariz., and then join the team at Chase Field on Friday.
Whether he is activated then or for the postseason is what will be determined in the interim, as he continues to ramp up his throwing program.
Kim has been out since jamming his shoulder diving back into first base on Aug. 18. That exacerbated a shoulder issue has been dealing with since last season.
If Kim returns, the Padres could play him at shortstop and move Xander Bogaerts back to second base. Or they could play Kim at second base, in order to not make Bogaerts move again. Platooning Kim and the left-handed-hitting Jake Cronenworth at second base is also under consideration.