LOS ANGELES – The Dodgers released their 26-man roster for the National League Division Series against the D-backs on Saturday. As expected, the club will carry 13 pitchers and 13 position players.
One surprise, however, was that infielder Amed Rosario was left off the roster, making room for Kolten Wong. The D-backs will likely deploy a right-handed-heavy pitching staff, and Wong gives the Dodgers another left-handed option off the bench and a plus defender at second base.
Rosario, who was acquired from the Guardians before the Trade Deadline, has had success against lefties throughout his career, but has struggled against righties. On the other hand, Wong had a forgettable season that resulted in the Mariners designating him for assignment, but he has made some changes to his swing since joining the Dodgers’ organization in August.
“It was a tough one. It was more driven by the fact that we have Kiké [Hernández] and [Chris Taylor] that are versatile players from the right side,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “And having Amed, without a left-handed starter going for them, it was a little redundant.”
On the pitching side, left-hander Ryan Yarbrough was the odd-man out for this round. With either Lance Lynn and Ryan Pepiot likely to start Game 3, with whoever doesn’t start providing length out of the bullpen, the Dodgers decided to go with another reliever instead of Yarbrough. The left-hander, however, could be an option if the Dodgers advance to the NLCS.
Here’s the Dodgers’ entire NLDS roster:
PITCHERS (13): RHP Ryan Brasier, LHP Caleb Ferguson, RHP Brusdar Graterol, RHP Michael Grove, RHP Joe Kelly, LHP Clayton Kershaw, RHP Lance Lynn, RHP Shelby Miller, RHP Bobby Miller, RHP Ryan Pepiot, RHP Evan Phillips, RHP Emmet Sheehan, LHP Alex Vesia
CATCHERS (2): Austin Barnes, Will Smith
INFIELDERS (6): Freddie Freeman, Kiké Hernández, Max Muncy, Miguel Rojas, Chris Taylor, Kolten Wong
OUTFIELDERS (4): Mookie Betts, Jason Heyward, James Outman, David Peralta