The Atlanta Braves officially announced their roster for the National League Division Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers, opting to carry 12 pitchers compared to 13 position players.
Among the most notable omissions is shortstop Dansby Swanson, who still is recovering from a torn ligament in his left hand. Expected to receive a boost in playing time as a result is utility man Charlie Culberson.
In his first season with Atlanta, Culberson continued to shine with an increased workload, appearing in a career-high 113 games during the regular season. “He’s probably been arguably maybe our most valuable player,” Braves manager Brian Snitker opined prior to Game 1.
“I mean [Ronald] Acuna hurt his knee for a month and Charlie filled in in left field. Ozzie [Albies] had a little hamstring tightness coming out of the break, and he performed there. He’s had some big pinch hits. I mean, you know, he’s the one guy on our team that a lot of guys were going to because he’s had the most recent experience in the playoffs.
The 29-year-old, in the midst of a career year with the Braves, filled a similar role for the Dodgers last season. With Corey Seager unable to suit up for the 2017 NL Championship Series, Culberson netted three starts at shortstop in five contests against the Chicago Cubs.
Culberson displayed his value on both sides of the ball, hitting .455/.417/.818 across 13 plate appearances. He followed up that success in the World Series, adding three hits and a home run in five opportunities against the Houston Astros.
“He’s been great for us,” Snitker added. “My God, that’s been a really good acquisition for us, because he’s so professional, stays ready. And it doesn’t bother him wherever. You know he pitched an inning and he threw really good. He stays prepared and he’s a total pro. And we’re very fortunate to have him.”
Culberson offers valuable guidance to a relatively young Braves team. Of the club’s 25-man NLDS roster, only 12 players have previous postseason experience.
In terms of on-field performance, Culberson enjoyed a breakout campaign to the tune of a .270/.326/.446 slash line during the regular season, tallying a personal-best 18 doubles, 12 home runs and 45 RBI to boot.
Similar to the defensive versatility Kiké Hernandez provides the Dodgers, Culberson moves all around the diamond and appeared at eight different positions for the Braves this season.
While he didn’t catch behind home plate, the Georgia native managed to log his first career Major League inning on the mound.
