The Los Angeles Dodgers announced their postseason roster for the National League Division Series, split evenly with 14 pitchers and 14 position players for the matchup against the San Diego Padres.
It’s a change from the 15 position players and 13 pitchers the Dodgers had on their active roster for the best-of-three Wild Card Series. The additions for the NLDS are Dylan Floro and Gavin Lux, as they replaced Edwin Rios and Keibert Ruiz.
“Matchup-driven and I wanted the extra position player. That was a very difficult one,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained at the time of leaving Floro off. “Dylan has the respect of everyone in the organization and he’s earned it.
“A lot of times I sit here and talk about performance matters, but in this case, ultimately he performed and still doesn’t have the opportunity. I do look forward to shall we advance, for him to continue being on rosters going forward. He was upset, and he had every right to be.”
Floro went 3-0 with a 1.59 ERA, 2.66 FIP and 1.11 WHIP in 25 games this season. He found success against both right- and left-handed batters by relying on a refined changeup more heavily than in other years. That became somewhat necessary with the three-batter rule this season.
In the days leading up to the NLDS beginning, Roberts intimated Floro was going to be a likely addition to the Dodgers’ postseason roster. He also suggested that was going to be possible with Lux, but it nonetheless is a mild surprise he was included.
It also is a mild surprise the Dodgers dropped Ruiz as a third catcher on the roster. His presence affords Roberts more flexibility with using Will Smith at designated hitter when Austin Barnes starts behind the plate. Barnes presumably will catch Clayton Kershaw in Game 2 on Wednesday.
After initial concern Joc Pederson would not be with the Dodgers beyond the Wild Card Series due to a family issue, he’s active for the NLDS and Roberts anticipates the 28-year-old being available moving forward.
Dodgers postseason roster for NLDS (listed alphabetically in roles players held during regular season)
Starting pitchers: Walker Buehler, Tony Gonsolin, Clayton Kershaw, Dustin May, Julio Urias
Relief pitchers: Pedro Baez, Dylan Floro, Victor Gonzalez, Brusdar Graterol, Kenley Jansen, Joe Kelly, Adam Kolarek, Jake McGee, Blake Treinen
Catchers: Austin Barnes, Will Smith
Infielders: Matt Beaty, Kiké Hernandez, Gavin Lux, Max Muncy, Corey Seager, Chris Taylor, Justin Turner
Outfielders: Cody Bellinger, Mookie Betts, Terrance Gore, Joc Pederson, AJ Pollock
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