The Dodgers have announced their NLDS roster for the series against the Washington Nationals that begins on Thursday.
The team will carry 13 hitters and 12 pitchers, similar to what they did last season.
Let’s get right to it:
BATTERS (13):
C: Will Smith, Russell Martin
Infielders: Max Muncy, David Freese, Gavin Lux, Corey Seager, Justin Turner, Matt Beaty
Outfielders: Cody Bellinger, AJ Pollock, Joc Pederson
Utility: Chris Taylor, Enrique Hernandez
PITCHERS (12):
SP: Walker Buehler, Clayton Kershaw, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Rich Hill
RP: Kenley Jansen, Joe Kelly, Pedro Baez, Kenta Maeda, Julio Urias (LHP), Adam Kolarek (LHP), Ross Stripling, Dustin May.
Additional Notes:
Dustin May edged out Tony Gonsolin for the final spot in the bullpen, in part due to his success late in the season pitching well in high leverage situations.
The team has said Rich Hill will be ready to start Game 4 (if necessary) of the series, but also said he will be available to pitch out of the bullpen in Games 1 and 2.
A notable name left off the roster is outfielder Alex Verdugo, who is still recovering from an injury, and the team hopes to have him back for the NLCS if they advance.
Dave Roberts also added that Justin Turner’s ankle has fully healed, and now the only concern is his back, but he is confident Turner is good to go.
Joe Kelly was also dealing with an undisclosed injury, but he has made the roster and the team expects to have him back to full strength, although it’s unclear how much they will use him in the series.
It’s important to remember that these rosters can be tweaked prior to the NLCS, if they do advance.
The Nationals will counter with this roster:
Ladies and gentlemen, your 2019 Washington Nationals NLDS roster.#STAYINTHEFIGHT pic.twitter.com/cNar81QNRH
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) October 3, 2019
NLDS Schedule:
Game 1: Thursday, 5;37pm PT on TBS in LA
Game 2: Friday, 5:37pm PT on TBS in LA
Game 3: Sunday: 4:45pm PT on TBS at WASH
Game 4 (if necessary) Monday (10/7): time TBD on TBS at WASH
Game 5 (if necessary) Wednesday (10/9): time TBD on TBS in LA
PHOTO CREDIT: Gary A. Vasquez/USA Today Sports