Dodgers decide to go with youth over vets on NLDS roster
LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers had some decisions to make, particularly whether they would carry 12 or 13 pitchers for the National League Division Series against the Padres.
In the end, L.A. decided on going with 13 position players and 13 pitchers, with the most notable addition being rookie right-hander Edgardo Henriquez, who has made just three appearances since being called up in late September.
Another surprise addition to the roster was right-hander Michael Grove, who struggled for most of the season but now gives the Dodgers another right-handed option in the absence of Brusdar Graterol and Brent Honeywell, who were not eligible for the roster because they ended the season on the 15-day injured list. Grove can handle a multi-inning role in case of an emergency.
The Dodgers decided to not include Joe Kelly on the roster. Kelly, of course, has struggled this season and has dealt with injuries, but the veteran right-hander could¡¯ve given the club postseason experience. The same applies to Kevin Kiermaier, who was left off for Andy Pages. Kiermaier has announced he will retire at the end of the season.
Clayton Kershaw is also not on the Dodgers¡¯ postseason roster, though that was expected as he continues to battle a left big toe injury. Freddie Freeman is, not surprisingly, on the roster. Freeman is dealing with a badly sprained right ankle, one he said would¡¯ve likely sidelined him for four to six weeks if this was the regular season. Freeman suffered the sprain on Sept. 26 against the Padres.
"Clayton has done everything he can to keep this thing moving forward and giving himself a chance to participate in the postseason," Roberts said. "But where he's at right now, physically, the foot, the toe just is not cooperating. It's actually getting worse. This is it for Clayton for 2024."
Here¡¯s the Dodgers¡¯ full 26-man roster.
Starters: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Jack Flaherty, Walker Buehler, Landon Knack
Relievers: Evan Phillips, Michael Kopech, Daniel Hudson, Blake Treinen, Alex Vesia, Anthony Banda, Edgardo Henriquez, Michael Grove, Ryan Brasier
Catchers: Will Smith, Austin Barnes
Infielders: Freddie Freeman, Gavin Lux, Max Muncy, Miguel Rojas, Kik¨¦ Hern¨¢ndez
Outfielders: Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hern¨¢ndez, Tommy Edman, Andy Pages, Chris Taylor
Designated hitter: Shohei Ohtani