Just as the Los Angeles Dodgers did, the Houston Astros set a 2017 World Series roster that’s comprised of 13 position players and 12 pitchers. Unlike the Dodgers, however, the Astros are carrying three catchers, and did not make any changes from the American League Championship Series.
The group overcame a 3-2 series deficit to the New York Yankees by notching back-to-back wins at Minute Maid Park. There was some thought outfielder Jake Marisnick would be added for the Fall Classic, but Astros manager A.J. Hinch ruled out the possibility on the eve of Game 1.
Marisnick, who fractured his right thumb on Sept. 13, has begun throwing a baseball but is not yet swinging a bat. Hinch said the Astros would only activate the outfielder in the event he’s needed as an injury fill-in.
A complete breakdown of the Astros’ roster included below, with players listed alphabetically in each position group.
Starting pitchers (4): Dallas Keuchel, Lance McCullers Jr., Charlie Morton, Justin Verlander
Relief pitchers (8): Chris Devenski, Ken Giles, Luke Gregerson, Will Harris, Francisco Liriano, Collin McHugh, Joe Musgrove, Brad Peacock
Catchers (3): Juan Centeno, Evan Gattis, Brian McCann
Infielders (5): Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa, Marwin Gonzalez, Yulieski Gurriel
Outfielders (5): Carlos Beltran, Derek Fisher, Cameron Maybin, Josh Reddick, George Springer
The Astros are in the World Series for a second time in their franchise history. They are also one of eight teams who have yet to notch a single win in the Fall Classic; the Chicago White Sox swept the 2005 World Series.
Houston became the first team in MLB history to win National League and AL pennants.