Dodgers, Phillies Announce NLDS Rosters

"Los Angeles made two changes to the roster that swept the Reds in two games during the wild card round. Kershaw and Banda join the fray in place of left-hander Justin Wrobleski and right-hander Edgardo Henriquez. There was no doubt Kershaw would be returning to action after sitting out the Reds series, though in his final postseason appearance, Kershaw is slated to pitch in a relief capacity rather than in a starter's role."

"Smith hasn't played since suffering a hairline fracture in his right hand on September 9, though the fact that the Dodgers included him on the wild card series roster indicates that the catcher is getting at least close to game readiness. Chances are Smith is ready to go at some point during the NLDS, though Rortvedt and Rushing are both on the roster to keep L.A. from being shorthanded behind the plate."

"Both teams have plenty of big left-handed bats, which factored why each roster features six southpaws. The Phillies haven't announced their rotation beyond Sanchez today, but Suarez is probable for Game 2, and using Luzardo in Game 3 would mean Philadelphia is tossing three consecutive left-handed starters at Ohtani and company. News broke earlier this week that Johan Rojas was dealing with a quad injury, which removed any chance that the Phillies could put Rojas on the playoff roster following two months in the minors. The bench was instead filled out by two multi-position players in Kemp and Wilson, plus Sosa can play the outfield in a pinch."

Game 1 pairs Shohei Ohtani in his first playoff pitching appearance against Cristopher Sanchez. Los Angeles substituted Justin Wrobleski and Edgardo Henriquez with Clayton Kershaw and Michael Banda, and Kershaw is expected to pitch in relief. Will Smith remains on the roster despite a September 9 hairline fracture and could return during the NLDS, with Rortvedt and Rushing providing catching depth. Both teams carry six left-handed bats. Philadelphia likely plans Suarez for Game 2 and could use Luzardo in Game 3. Johan Rojas was omitted due to a quad injury; bench spots went to Kemp, Wilson, and Sosa.

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