Dodgers: Rapid reaction to the Dodgers' NLDS roster

The Dodgers have finally released their official roster for the National League Division Series. There were not many surprises with the roster.

At long last, the Dodgers have finally released their roster for their National League Division Series matchup with the Washington Nationals. There was nothing about the roster that is shocking although it is a bummer that the Dodgers left Tony Gonsolin off of their roster. It confirms Dave Roberts’ word that Ross Stripling would be on the NLDS roster. Here is a break down of each position group.

Catcher (2)

Will Smith, Russell Martin

No surprises here, Will Smith should start most if not all of the Dodgers’ postseason games. The one caveat will be if the Dodgers feel a starter such as Hyun-Jin Ryu will pitch better with Russell Martin behind the plate. Smith will look to build upon the last week of the regular season in which he hit a pair of home runs.

Infielders (7)

Matt Beaty, David Freese, Kiké Hernandez, Gavin Lux, Max Muncy, Corey Seager, Justin Turner

Beaty makes the roster with Alex Verdugo still fighting back from injury. Gavin Lux will make his first postseason appearance this series although it may not come in game one with the left-hander Patrick Corbin on the mound. Freese will be in the lineup game one.

Outfielders (4)

Cody Bellinger, Joc Pederson, A.J. Pollock, Chris Taylor

Joc Pederson will not start game one but could provide key hits later on in the series against Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg. Look for Pollock to make his presence felt against former teammate Patrick Corbin in game one.

Pitchers (12)

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Pedro Baez, Walker Buehler, Rich Hill, Kenley Jansen, Joe Kelly, Clayton Kershaw, Adam Kolarek, Kenta Maeda, Dustin May, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Ross Stripling, Julio Urias.

As previously mentioned, Tony Gonsolin did not make the roster which is disappointing but expected. Look for him to be part of the “stay hot” team in Arizona. Fellow rookie Dustin May made the roster and it will be interesting to see when the Dodgers use him. He could come in right after Rich Hill in a possible game four or be used in the late innings.

Julio Urias is another starting pitcher that could be used at any point in the game. During the regular season he mostly made multiple inning appearances but he could be asked to pitch more single inning outings in October. Adam Kolarek will be LA’s LOOGY against tough left-handed batters like Juan Soto.

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Ross Stripling will likely be the long man in the pen in case the Dodgers experience another crazy extra-inning game. Joe Kelly, Pedro Baez, and Kenley Jansen will look to close out the Nationals at the back end of the bullpen. Then there is the rotation of course with the order yet to be finalized outside of Buehler in game one. Rich Hill could make a relief appearance before a game four start.