Manager Dave Roberts confirmed what appeared a likely outcome when he revealed Joey Gallo will be included on the Los Angeles Dodgers postseason roster for the 2022 National League Division Series.
The Dodgers postseason roster does not need to be made official until the morning of Game 1 of the NLDS, which is Tuesday, October 11.
Roberts’ remark came after Gallo entered off the bench for Mookie Betts and hit a solo home run in the Dodgers’ 5-2 loss to the Colorado Rockies. That snapped an 0-for-13 skid during which Gallo had two walks, one RBI and eight strikeouts.
“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. But it was good for him to get a little confidence. He put a really good swing on the ball.”
Gallo is batting just .167/.278/.404 with four doubles, one triple, seven home runs and 23 RBI over 43 since being acquired by the Dodgers from the New York Yankees at the trade deadline.
In addition to making starts as the designated hitter, Gallo has played both corner outfield positions for L.A., but looked more comfortable in left field. He recently logged one inning at first base as well.
Gallo making the Dodgers roster for the NLDS gives them a left-handed batter for a bench that otherwise was poised to lack such a threat.
Furthermore, Gallo’s inclusion suggests the Dodgers are down to deciding between Hanser Alberto and Miguel Vargas for the final bench spot.
Potential Dodgers postseason roster for NLDS
Starting pitchers (4): Tyler Anderson, Tony Gonsolin, Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urías
Relief pitchers (9): Yency Almonte, Brusdar Graterol, Andrew Heaney, Tommy Kahnle, Craig Kimbrel, Chris Martin, Evan Phillips, David Price, Alex Vesia
Catchers (2): Austin Barnes, Will Smith
Infielders (6): Hanser Alberto, Freddie Freeman, Gavin Lux, Max Muncy, Justin Turner, Trea Turner
Outfielders (5): Cody Bellinger, Mookie Betts, Joey Gallo, Chris Taylor, Trayce Thompson
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