Dodgers Leave Clayton Kershaw and Key Reliever Off NLDS Roster vs Padres

The Los Angeles Dodgers released the official 26-man roster for the NLDS ahead of Game 1.

Pitchers include Anthony Banda, Ryan Brasier, Walker Buehler, Jack Flaherty, Michael Grove, Edgardo Henriquez, Daniel Hudson, Landon Knack, Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, Blake Treinen, Alex Vesia, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Fan favorite Joe Kelly was left off the roster, indicating he won’t be an option against the San Diego Padres. Veteran southpaw Clayton Kershaw was also absent from the roster, but that is no surprise given he won’t be ready to pitch for another few weeks.

Kevin Kiermaier was also absent from the NLDS roster.

Austin Barnes and Will Smith are the two catchers for the NLDS. Shohei Ohtani is listed as the designated hitter.

Infielders and outfielders include Freddie Freeman, Gavin Lux, Max Muncy, Miguel Rojas, Teoscar Hernández, Andy Pages, Mookie Betts, Tommy Edman, Chris Taylor, and Kiké Hernández.

Fans are still anxiously awaiting the official lineup for Game 1 at Dodgers Stadium. The biggest question remains whether Freeman and Rojas will start as they are both dealing with injuries.

Freeman is battling a right ankle sprain that would normally require four to six weeks on the injured list. The first baseman had just over a week to prepare for the NLDS.

If Freeman can’t start at first base, he will likely be available to pinch-hit for the team. Muncy would switch to first and Kiké would take third base.

Rojas is dealing with an abductor injury, but he is also expected to start Game 1.

The status of both Freeman and Rojas remains a mystery, but will soon be uncovered in a matter of hours.

Yamamoto gets the Game 1 start on the mound for the Dodgers. Although he spent just under three months on the injured list, the Dodgers are confident the 25-year-old can handle the pressure of being the starter for the series opener.

Dylan Cease will get the start for the Padres. Cease will put the Los Angeles lineup to the test. Padres manager Mike Shildt was coy when the media asked what San Diego’s plan was to shut down Ohtani.

Fans have to wait just a few more hours to witness the two California clubs go head-to-head

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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