The Los Angeles Dodgers postseason roster for the National League Division Series will be a 26-man group split evenly between pitchers and position players.
By all accounts, the team is down to finalizing a few decisions for their first playoff roster, and some of that is predicated on the health of Dustin May and Blake Treinen. With the position players, it appears Hanser Alberto and Miguel Vargas are essentially vying for the final spot off the bench.
“I think we’re figuring out the backend of that position-player part of it,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “What makes the most sense as far as utility in a five-game series, how games can play out, and what value a few guys might have versus others.
“I don’t really want to use the names. Obviously, Hanser has a lot of value and experience. And obviously Miguel is more dynamic. There’s some things he can do. So just kind of talking through that and trying to figure out what makes the most sense.”
Vargas started at second base in the Dodgers’ intrasquad game on Friday night, and has regularly been fielding grounders at the position prior to batting practice.
Vargas got off to a slow start upon getting recalled on Sept. 1 but began to find some consistent success as the regular season drew to a close.
Alberto has provided the Dodgers with added versatility in the infield, capability to pitch, and been an uplifting presence in their clubhouse.
The Dodgers do not need to finalize their NLDS roster until Tuesday morning.
Joey Gallo named to Dodgers postseason roster
One of the question marks on the Dodgers’ bench for the NLDS was answered during the week when Roberts revealed Joey Gallo would be with the club.
“Joey’s a threat. Every time he gets in there he can hit a homer. He prepares, he works hard, he cares,” Roberts said.
“I think for me, it’s trying to find the right spots where it makes sense to get him in there. He’s going to be on the playoff roster. How we deploy him, I just don’t know yet.”
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