Why Padres' Casey Mize could have a bigger playoff race impact than Tarik Skubal for Dodgers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers both acquired an All-Star starting pitcher from the Detroit Tigers at this year's MLB trade deadline.While the Padres landed Casey Mize, the Dodgers got the top prize in Tarik Skubal. But who will have more of an impact during this year's postseason race?MLB.com's Thomas Harrigan shared a poll that featured some unexpected results, with Mize actually being the top choice over Skubal for who could have the biggest impact on the playoff race this season. While bold, it might actually be accurate.Why Casey Mize might be have a bigger impact than Tarik Skubal on playoff race"Which pitcher who got traded during Deadline season will have the biggest impact on the playoff race? Top choice: Casey Mize, RHP, Padres (8 votes)," Harrigan shared.Mize got one more vote than Skubal, who received seven votes as the pitcher projected to have the biggest impact on the playoff race this season.While this might seem like a ridiculous answer on the surface, it actually makes a lot of sense. This isn't about how impactful a pitcher will be in the playoffs, but in the race leading up to it.The Dodgers are almost assuredly going to land in the playoffs this season, with the only question about what seed they wind up in. But, for the Padres, they're on the outside looking in right now.MORE:How Cubs inadvertently helped Dodgers trade for Tarik SkubalAdding Mize to the Padres rotation, for a club that desperately needs starting pitching help, could be the difference in a postseason for the club or not.For as much as Skubal should help the Dodgers earn a higher spot in the postseason standings, Mize might actually be the difference that gets the Padres there in the first place.So, while Skubal might be the best pitcher traded, the Padres' addition of Mize might actually have the biggest impact on the postseason race in the NL this season, despite how ridiculous it might seem at first glance.More MLB news:Cubs land Kevin Gausman in blockbuster trade with Blue JaysRed Sox expected to trade Jarren Duran during offseason, not MLB trade deadlineWhat did Mets get for Freddy Peralta? Rays send three prospects for 4.99 ERA SPTigers receive lousy grade for Tarik Skubal trade to Dodgers from ESPNRoyals DFA former Phillies All-Star reliever Matt Strahm after trade deadline