The Los Angeles Dodgers are headed to Milwaukee to face the Brewers in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series on Monday night. As they prepare for their first seven-game series of the postseason, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has hinted that roster adjustments are likely, particularly regarding the pitching staff.
Pitching Moves Likely
Roberts spoke to the media Saturday before the Brewers-Cubs Game 5, noting the importance of roster flexibility in a potentially longer series. “Now you’re talking about a potential seven-game series versus a potential five-game series. So, now obviously pitching becomes more paramount. I don’t know exactly how the roster is going to look, but I think with a seven-game series and then you layer on the potential opponent, it’s going to look a little bit different,” Roberts said.
One player who will not be eligible is reliever Tanner Scott, who exited the NLDS with a lower-body injury. general manager Brandon Gomes indicated Scott will need one to two weeks to recover, ruling him out for the NLCS. To compensate, a pitcher is expected to be added, potentially replacing a position player such as second baseman Hyeseong Kim or outfielder Justin Dean, both of whom have seen limited postseason action primarily as pinch runners, according to the Orange County Register’s Bill Plunkett.
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Potential Additions and Adjustments
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Edgardo Henriquez, who was on the Wild Card roster but removed for the NLDS, is a candidate for addition. He had limited action in the Wild Card round, pitching briefly in Game 1. Roberts also suggested the Dodgers could tweak their catching rotation, with Will Smith healthy enough to play, potentially making Ben Rortvedt or Dalton Rushing expendable.
Roster Depth and Strategy
Hyeseong Kim, despite scoring the decisive run in the NLDS Game 4 victory, may be on the chopping block to make room for a pitcher. “Hyeseong has been fantastic for us this year. Going into tomorrow we have some tough roster decisions to go over,” Roberts said. Losing Kim would reduce the Dodgers’ late-game speed threat on the bases.
Other players who could be left off the NLCS roster include Blake Treinen, who has struggled recently, Justin Wrobleski, and Dalton Rushing, whose limited postseason impact makes him less critical than a versatile option like Esteury Ruiz.
Finalizing the NLCS Roster
The Dodgers are expected to announce their NLCS roster Monday morning at 8 a.m. PT. Facing the Brewers — the top team in the NL during the regular season and undefeated against LA this year — the Dodgers are carefully weighing each move to optimize pitching depth, bench versatility, and strategic flexibility for the seven-game series ahead.