Dodgers, Cubs set NLCS rosters
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, both of whom are looking to snap considerable pennant droughts, have revealed their 25-man rosters for the best-of-seven National League Championship Series, which begins Saturday night at Wrigley Field.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made a couple changes to the crew that outlasted the Washington Nationals in the division series, adding utility man Kike Hernandez and left-hander Alex Wood, while removing infielder Charlie Culberson and catcher Austin Barnes.
Hernandez, who went 4-for-13 with a stolen base in four postseason games last year, spent time at six different positions in 2016 - all three outfield spots, second base, third base, and shortstop - and is expected to start for Los Angeles in Game 1.
Wood, meanwhile, crafted a 3.73 ERA (105 ERA+) with a 1.26 WHIP over 10 starts and four relief appearances this season, and gives Roberts both a potential starting option and a third left-hander in his bullpen.
Here's how Los Angeles' NLCS roster breaks down:
Pitchers (12)
Luis Avilan, Pedro Baez, Joe Blanton, Grant Dayton, Josh Fields, Rich Hill, Kenley Jansen, Clayton Kershaw, Kenta Maeda, Ross Stripling, Julio Urias, Alex Wood
Catchers (2)
Yasmani Grandal, Carlos Ruiz
Infielders (4)
Adrian Gonzalez, Corey Seager, Justin Turner, Chase Utley
Outfielders (7)
Andre Ethier, Kike Hernandez, Howie Kendrick, Joc Pederson, Yasiel Puig, Josh Reddick, Andrew Toles
Chicago Cubs
Needing just four games to oust the San Francisco Giants from the National League Division Series, the Cubs will carry an almost identical roster into the championship series, as manager Joe Maddon has made just one tweak to his 25-man squad.
Tommy La Stella, who registered only one plate appearance in the division series, was omitted from the NLCS roster in favor of reliever Rob Zastryzny, giving Maddon a third left-hander - not including closer Aroldis Chapman - in the bullpen.
Though there was some doubt as to whether Miguel Montero's wonky back would allow him to play in the NLCS, it appears the two-time All-Star is good to go. Just as they did for a considerable portion of the season, the Cubs will carry three catchers for the championship series.
Here's how Chicago's NLCS roster breaks down:
Pitchers (12)
Jake Arrieta, Aroldis Chapman, Carl Edwards Jr., Justin Grimm, Kyle Hendricks, John Lackey, Jon Lester, Mike Montgomery, Hector Rondon, Pedro Strop, Travis Wood, Rob Zastryzny
Catchers (3)
Willson Contreras, Miguel Montero, David Ross
Infielders (5)
Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Addison Russell, Ben Zobrist
Outfielders (5)
Albert Almora Jr., Chris Coghlan, Dexter Fowler, Jason Heyward, Jorge Soler