Padres' big strikeout flaw for MLB postseason has nothing to do with their lineup

The San Diego Padres are fighting off the Arizona Diamondbacks to try and secure the third and final Wild Card spot out of the National League this season. They're in decent shape to do so, but with nine games to go, a lot can change.

But if the Padres do make the postseason, this team is going to face an uphill battle to make a deep run. It's not just being a road team throughout; it's that their major flaw could derail their playoff run completely.

ESPN's David Schoenfield highlighted the Padres' big strikeout problem, one that has nothing to do with their lineup and everything to do with their rotation, as their potential "fatal flaw" for the MLB playoffs.

Padres' 'fatal flaw' for MLB postseason revolves around rotation's SO problem

"San Diego Padres. Fatal flaw: Rotation doesn't miss bats (29th in strikeout rate since Aug. 1)," Schoenfield writes.

Mason Miller will strike out plenty of hitters during the postseason if the Padres can get him on the mound, but to get to a situation where he can start punching out batters, it's going to take the rotation getting them there.

Unfortunately, the Padres' rotation isn't exactly a good one when it comes to generating strikeouts. Michael King is a good starter, but he's not a high strikeout pitcher.

Casey Mize and Robbie Ray, since being acquired by the Padres at the MLB trade deadline, haven't been high-strikeout guys for the Padres either.

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These three key starters will get the bulk of the work in October, if the Padres hold onto a spot in the postseason. During those starts, there's going to be some real concern about how King, Ray, and Mize get through the order.

All three aren't likely to rack up high strikeout numbers, possibly leading to some poor performances during the postseason if the Padres can't get the most valuable out possible.

A deep run this October won't be likely if the Padres aren't able to get better strikeout production from their starters.

With a strong bullpen and resurgent offense, the Padres might be okay come the playoffs. But more strikeouts could make this team a true title contender.

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