Dodgers and Phillies Reveal their NLDS Rosters
Game 1: Dodgers vs. Phillies – Ohtani Takes the Mound in Historic Playoff Performance
Today, baseball fans witness a thrilling showdown as Game 1 of the National League Division Series kicks off between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies in Philadelphia. This highly anticipated matchup features Shohei Ohtani making his playoff pitching debut against Phillies’ left-hander Cristopher Sanchez, marking a significant moment in Ohtani’s illustrious career.
Team Rosters: Dodgers and Phillies Set for NL Division Series
As the teams prepare for this critical series, both clubs have finalized their 26-man rosters. Here’s a detailed look at how each team’s lineup stacks up:
Los Angeles Dodgers Roster
- Catchers: Ben Rortvedt, Dalton Rushing, Will Smith
- Infielders: Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy, Miguel Rojas
- Outfielders: Alex Call, Justin Dean, Teoscar Hernandez, Andy Pages
- Utility Players: Tommy Edman, Enrique Hernandez, Hyeseong Kim
- Designated Hitter/Right-Handed Pitcher: Shohei Ohtani
- Left-Handed Pitchers: Anthony Banda, Jack Dreyer, Clayton Kershaw, Blake Snell, Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia
- Right-Handed Pitchers: Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, Emmet Sheehan, Blake Treinen, Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Philadelphia Phillies Roster
- Catchers: Rafael Marchan, J.T. Realmuto
- Infielders: Alec Bohm, Bryce Harper, Otto Kemp, Edmundo Sosa, Bryson Stott, Trea Turner
- Outfielders: Harrison Bader, Nick Castellanos, Max Kepler, Brandon Marsh, Weston Wilson
- Designated Hitter: Kyle Schwarber
- Left-Handed Pitchers: Tanner Banks, Jesus Luzardo, Tim Mayza, Cristopher Sanchez, Matt Strahm, Ranger Suarez
- Right-Handed Pitchers: Walker Buehler, Jhoan Duran, Orion Kerkering, Aaron Nola, David Robertson, Taijuan Walker
Key Changes in Dodgers’ Roster Ahead of NLDS
The Dodgers have made strategic adjustments to their roster that previously swept the Cincinnati Reds in the Wild Card round. Notably, Clayton Kershaw and Anthony Banda have been reinstated in place of left-hander Justin Wrobleski and right-hander Edgardo Henriquez. Kershaw, who sat out the Wild Card series, is expected to contribute from the bullpen instead of starting.
Will Smith’s inclusion on the roster is particularly intriguing. Although he hasn’t played since sustaining a hairline fracture in September, his presence suggests he could return to action soon, providing vital support behind the plate alongside Rortvedt and Rushing.
Matchups and Strategy: Left-Handed Pitchers Take Center Stage
Both teams are equipped with formidable left-handed hitters, which has influenced their decision to include six lefties on each roster. The Phillies have yet to confirm their starting rotation beyond Sanchez, but Ranger Suarez is likely to take the mound for Game 2, and using Jesus Luzardo in Game 3 would see Philadelphia facing three consecutive left-handed pitchers against Ohtani and the Dodgers’ lineup.
Injury Updates: Rojas Excluded from Playoff Roster
In a recent development, the Phillies confirmed that Johan Rojas will not be on the playoff roster due to a quad injury he sustained, which hampers any hopes of his participation after spending the last two months in the minors. Instead, Philadelphia has bolstered its bench with versatile players like Otto Kemp and Weston Wilson, alongside Edmundo Sosa, who can play in the outfield if needed.
As the Dodgers and Phillies face off today, all eyes will be on Ohtani’s performance and the strategic elements each team brings to this pivotal contest. With significant implications for the series at stake, baseball enthusiasts are in for an exhilarating experience.
