In addition to setting a 25-man active roster for the National League Division Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers also designated players for their taxi squad, and another group for a stay-hot camp at Camelback Ranch.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said late last week those who stuck with the team and were to join them on the trip to Arizona as the NLDS shifts to Chase Field, are Charlie Culberson, Brandon McCarthy, Joc Pederson and Hyun-Jin Ryu. Adrian Gonzalez is also considered a member of the taxi squad.
He was with the Dodgers through the first two games of the NLDS, but whether he would make the flight with the team had not yet been decided. “Obviously he’s a huge asset and we love to have him around,” Roberts said last week.
“But I’ll let him make that decision and just kind of with his back.” Gonzalez was shut down for the remainder of the year due to persistent back discomfort that’s a result of multiple herniated discs.
Meanwhile, Walker Buehler, Tim Locastro, Rob Segedin, Brock Stewart and Alex Verdugo make up the group that was sent to the Dodgers’ Spring Training facility. “They’re going to be at Camelback working out and doing their thing,” Roberts said. “So being ready if something changes for the next series.”
When Buehler was called up in September for his MLB debut, it was to be evaluated for a potential spot on the NLDS roster as a relief pitcher. He shifted to the role while with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Buehler showed flashes of promise that’s earned him the billing of the organization’s top pitching prospect. But he lacked the necessary command and consistency for a player of his inexperience to pitch in the postseason.
Similarly, Locastro was called up for the final series of the regular season. The Dodgers viewed him as an option to exclusively serve as a pinch-runner during the playoffs. Locastro was a candidate for the 25th spot on the NLDS roster, which went to Pedro Baez.
