UPDATE: The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially announced their wild-card roster ahead of tonight’s critical Game 1 against the Cincinnati Reds, set to begin at 9 p.m. ET at Dodger Stadium. In a surprising move, the Dodgers will carry three catchers, including starter Will Smith, who is battling a hairline fracture in his right hand.
Joining Smith are Dalton Rushing and Ben Rortvedt, both selected to provide extra protection should Smith be unable to perform. Notably absent from the roster is Michael Conforto, the Dodgers’ everyday left fielder for most of the season, who struggled significantly at the plate with a disappointing batting line of .199/.305/.333.
Conforto’s exclusion paves the way for Andy Pages and Teoscar Hernandez to take the outfield corners, with Tommy Edman set to play center field and Miguel Rojas at second base. This strategic adjustment underscores the urgency for the Dodgers as they face a must-win situation in the playoffs.
The Dodgers and Reds revealed their rosters this morning, and both teams are prepared for a fierce best-of-three series. The Reds will start with Hunter Greene, followed by Zack Littell and Andrew Abbott. Notably, Nick Lodolo will serve as a reliever after pitching in Milwaukee last Sunday.
On the mound for the Dodgers, Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Shohei Ohtani are set to take the hill, backed by four left-handed relievers: Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, Justin Wrobleski, and Jack Dreyer. This pitching strategy aims to capitalize on the Reds’ struggles against left-handed pitching throughout the season.
The Dodgers made an unconventional addition to their roster with Justin Dean, a 28-year-old journeyman who made his major league debut this season. Despite only two plate appearances in 18 games, Dean’s speed and defensive capabilities could prove invaluable in late-game situations.
As the Dodgers gear up for this critical playoff matchup, fans are eagerly awaiting to see how these roster changes will impact their chances of advancing in the postseason. The stakes are high, and every decision counts. Stay tuned for live updates and in-depth analysis as the action unfolds tonight.