It feels like I was just doing this article, doesn’t it?
The Dodgers begin their postseason run on Saturday as they’ll host Game 1 of the NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Their opponent is unknown at the moment, but it’ll be either the Braves or the Padres.
For the most part, we have a strong idea of who will make the 26-man postseason roster. There are a few guys who are battling for spots, but I think it is already pretty set. If I were calling the shots, here’s who I would have on the NLDS roster.
Position players
Catchers (2): Will Smith, Austin Barnes
Infielders (4): Freddie Freeman, Gavin Lux, Miguel Rojas, Max Muncy
Outfielders (3): Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hernandez, Andy Pages
Utility players (3): Tommy Edman, Chris Taylor, Enrique Hernández
GOAT (1): Shohei Ohtani
In my opinion, the only question mark for the final spot is Andy Pages. Personally, I think he has earned a spot on the roster, as he’s been fantastic since being called up. Not to mention, Dave Roberts had some pretty high praise for the rookie last week, saying “I can’t see a world where he’s not on the playoff roster”.
Pages would earn the job over Kevin Kiermaier, who hasn’t played as much in September. Limited with the bat, Kiermaier’s value comes with his Gold Glove defense in center field. He’s arguably one of the best out there and has proven he’s a reliable option.
At the end of the day, it comes down to what the Dodgers prefer. A hot bat in Pages who can change the game with one swing, or a defensive wizard out in center field who could be crucial late in a game.
With Edman able to provide great defense in center field, I think that’ll be the difference maker. Having a bat like Pages off the bench is far too valuable, especially considering he’s the best hitter on the team against left-handed pitching.
Oh, this is also assuming Miguel Rojas is healthy and ready to return for the NLDS. It sounds like he should be able to go, but in case he isn’t then I guess you could add Kiermaier in his place. In that scenario, Edman would be your starting shortstop.
Pitching
Starters (4): Jack Flaherty, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Walker Buehler, Landon Knack
Relievers (8 + ?): Anthony Banda, Ryan Brasier, Daniel Hudson, Joe Kelly, Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, Blake Treinen, Alex Vesia
Those 12 pitchers were very easy to decide. However, I’m struggling to decide on who will get the final spot.
Brusdar Graterol was placed on the IL last week. If he were healthy, it would have been him. With Graterol out for at least the NLDS, the Dodgers have quite the decision to make. Looking at their current options, I think it comes down to three players.
Michael Grove, Ben Casparius and Edgardo Henriquez.
Ultimately, it’s just a matter of preference for LA. With Grove and Casparius, they have two arms who could go multiple innings, which could be valuable if the game was out of reach and you want to save your high-leverage arms.
Grove struggled in 2024, posting a 5.12 ERA over 51 innings. Casparius looked solid, posting a 2.16 ERA in 8.1 innings. Great numbers, but he’s only a rookie and that’s a very small sample size.
Speaking of small sample size, Henriquez has only 3.1 innings under his belt. He allowed a run on two hits, though he did strike out five.
If you want a true one-inning reliever, Henriquez is your guy. He offers the most upside and can become a high-leverage option in October. If you want someone who would only be used in mop-up duty, Casparius or Grove are your answers.
Personally, I would go with Casparius. I really, really want to see Henriquez in October, but I think having an arm that could pitch multiple innings would be more valuable. The Dodgers have a number of bullpen arms available that will all be fresh.
Let’s say the Dodgers have a five or six run lead late in the game. Instead of using one or two of your valuable arms, you can bring Casparius in to finish things off for a couple of innings.
It’ll be interesting to see who the Dodgers ultimately go with. I’d be more than okay with Henriquez or Casparius. I just don’t want to see Grove anywhere near that roster.
I like Casparius and also Henriquez. I think Pages would be good off the bench but he scares me as the center fielder. I would hate a repeat of last year’s first play of the game where Outman couldn’t get to the ball. We need solid defense.
Andy Pages over Chris Taylor and Edgardo Henriquez over Danial Hudson.