The Los Angeles Dodgers had unexpected change from the National League Division Series to the NL Championship Series, as Corey Seager was not included on the roster for the best-of-seven series with the Chicago Cubs.
Seager had been dealing with back tightness throughout the week, or a “muscle thing,” as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts referred to it on Friday. Roberts nonetheless expressed optimism Seager would be in the lineup for Game 1.
Along with not including the All-Star shortstop, the Dodgers also left Pedro Baez off the NLCS roster. There was some thought Luis Avilan would return from shoulder inflammation, but that did not occur.
Instead, additions are Charlie Culberson and Joc Pederson, who were part of the Dodgers’ travel squad during the NLDS.
A complete breakdown of the Dodgers’ 2017 NLCS roster included below. Players are listed alphabetically in each position group.
Starting pitchers (4): Yu Darvish, Rich Hill, Clayton Kershaw, Alex Wood
Relief pitchers (7): Tony Cingrani, Josh Fields, Kenley Jansen, Kenta Maeda, Brandon Morrow, Ross Stripling, Tony Watson
Catchers (3): Austin Barnes, Kyle Farmer, Yasmani Grandal
Infielders (5): Cody Bellinger, Charlie Culberson, Logan Forsythe, Justin Turner, Chase Utley
Outfielders (6): Andre Ethier, Curtis Granderson, Kiké Hernandez, Joc Pederson, Yasiel Puig, Chris Taylor
The Dodgers have 13 holdovers from last year’s NLCS roster that forced the Cubs to a Game 6. That group consists of: Andre Ethier, Josh Fields, Yasmani Grandal, Kiké Hernandez, Rich Hill, Kenley Jansen, Clayton Kershaw, Kenta Maeda, Yasiel Puig, Ross Stripling, Justin Turner, Chase Utley and Alex Wood.
It’s possible the team may put a player on the disabled list during the series in order to to activate Seager. But that of course is dependent on the severity of Seager’s back injury. Roberts did indicate Seager was receiving treatment and recovering each day.
What’s more, removing a player from injury during the NLCS would render them ineligible for the World Series. And that would raise red flags with the league over potential DL manipulation.
The Cubs also elected for 14 position players and 11 pitchers on their NLCS roster. The lone change from the NLDS was replacing left-handed relief pitcher Justin Wilson with right-handed reliever Hector Rondon.
