The Atlanta Braves opted to carry an extra reliever for the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, constructing a roster that consists of 12 pitchers compared to 13 position players.
Among those to make the cut were right-handers Julio Teheran and Touki Toussaint. The former was a surprising addition considering his previous struggles against Los Angeles, to which he’s winless in eight career starts with a 5.33 ERA and 1.33 WHIP.
Toussaint is additionally included on the Braves roster despite logging only 29 Major League innings during the regular season. Across two Minor League affiliates this year, the rookie went 9-6 with a 2.38 ERA and 1.13 WHIP across 136.1 innings of work.
As expected, Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson was left off the NLDS Roster due to a torn ligament in his left hand. Charlie Culberson will see an increased workload as a result, similar to what was asked of him when the Dodgers were without Corey Seager for the 2017 NL Championship Series.
Full breakdown of the Braves’ NLDS roster is included below.
Starting pitchers (4): Mike Foltynewicz, Kevin Gausman, Sean Newcomb, Anibal Sanchez
Relief pitchers (8): Brad Brach, Max Fried, A.J. Minter, Chad Sobotka, Julio Teheran, Touki Toussaint, Jonny Venters, Arodys Vizcaino
Catchers (3): Tyler Flowers, Rene Rivera, Kurt Suzuki
Infielders (6): Ozzie Albies, Johan Camargo, Charlie Culberson, Lucas Duda, Ryan Flaherty, Freddie Freeman
Outfielders (4): Ronald Acuna Jr., Lane Adams, Ender Inciarte, Nick Markakis