Dodgers News: Ned Colletti Discusses Dodgers Postseason Roster

With just two days left in the regular season, the Dodgers know they’ll be the third seed in the NL West and start the NLDS on the road next Thursday.

Between now and Thursday, the team will need to cut the roster back down from 40 to 25 before the playoffs start. Jerry Hairston Jr, Chris Capuano, Edinson Volquez and others are on the bubble as they hope to lock down reserve roles in the next two days.

Last night, Dodgers general manger Ned Colletti was asked whether he valued a long reliever or extra bat off the bench:

The most overlooked spot on a postseason roster is a long man. If we’re down three or four runs early, it’s important to have someone break-up the game. In the second or third inning, you can’t go with one inning guys.

The news bodes well for pitchers Chris Capuano and Edinson Volquez as they’re both fighting for the long-reliever spot in the bullpen. Capuano made his first appearance last night since injuring his groin on September 6 and pitched a clean inning in the Dodgers 11-0 win.

Meanwhile, Volquez has been a nice surprise as the fifth starter and with the Dodgers he’s 0-2 with a 4.18 ERA, but to his credit, hasn’t had the greatest lineups during his starts. It’s likely the Dodgers opt to bring 12 pitchers with them to the NLDS so both could conceivably make the team if Brandon League or Carlos Marmol are left off the roster.

The most likely scenario is that it’s either going to be Capuano or Volquez to make the postseason roster as it’s clear that the Dodgers will place a premium on having at least one long reliever in the playoffs.

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In case you missed it, here’s the Dodgers pool celebration, PLUS Yasiel Puig’s celebration dance off!

http://youtu.be/LknQOqL7uME