Dodgers Announce NLDS Roster

The Dodgers finally announced their NLDS roster with a few surprises, but for the most part these are the 25 guys that give them the best chance to win.

The Dodgers will carry four starters, with Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke and Brett Anderson already slated to start games 1-3. Game 4 could be Alex Wood, but in a pinch it would probably be Kershaw back on short rest. Wood could be used out of the bullpen in the first three games, giving the Dodgers three lefties out of the bullpen to go along with five righties.

The only real surprise in the bullpen is that Joel Peralta made it over Juan Nicasio. Nicasio was a lot better than expected this year, but his walk rate killed him while Peralta pitched extremely well after his return from the DL. He allowed two runs and four hits in nine post-DL innings without issuing a walk, and right now the Dodgers clearly have more faith in him than in Nicasio.

The Dodgers will also have two catchers, six infielders, five outfielders and one Enrique Hernandez, who is both infielder and outfielder. They also have a beautifully split six right handed, six left handed and two switch hitting position players.

Sep 11, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Scott Van Slyke against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Scott Van Slyke is probably the most notable omission out of all position players, but he’s been dealing with a wrist issue. He also might not have a role anymore, as Justin Ruggiano has sort of taken over as outfield destroyer of left handed pitching and Chase Utley and Justin Turner can both also kind of stand near first base and catch baseballs. With the Mets only carrying two left-handed pitchers in the NLDS, they don’t need as many platoon guys.

Overall, this roster looks pretty solid and I’m quite happy that Alex Guerrero‘s contract didn’t force him onto the playoff roster. There are still decisions to be made about Yasmani Grandal vs A.J. Ellis being behind the plate (should probably be Ellis) and how much Yasiel Puig will be available with his hamstring issues.

Most importantly, Juan Uribe will not be on the Mets’ roster. I love Uribe and miss him dearly, but knowing that he won’t knock in any game-winning runs against the Dodgers makes my heart a little happier heading into the series.