Dodgers: Projected Postseason Roster for the NLDS vs Padres

The Dodgers are set to welcome the San Deigo Padres to Dodger Stadium tomorrow for the start of the National League Division Series. The last time these two clubs met up in the NLDS was in 2020 when LA swept San Diego in the best-of-5 series. This season, the Dodgers beat up on the Padres, winning 14 of the 19 regular season matchups.

Few questions remain for the Dodgers, roster wise, a day before their campaign resumes. Dave Roberts has said that the club is mulling over the final bench spot on the position player side of things. By all accounts, that final spot will go to veteran utility man Hanser Alberto or rookie slugger Miguel Vargas.

On our YouTube channel, we discussed the roster construction ahead of the NLDS, mixing in a couple of potential surprise names that could or should be considered.

Dodgers Final Postseason Roster: Position Players, Hanser or Vargas, Chris Taylor Injury News & More

Final Position Player Predictions

1. C Austin Barnes
2. C Will Smith
3. IF Hanser Alberto
4. 1B Freddie Freeman
5. 2B Gavin Lux
6. 3B Max Muncy
7. SS Trea Turner
8. 3B Justin Turner
9. OF Cody Bellinger
10. OF Mookie Betts
11. OF Joey Gallo
12. OF Chris Taylor
13. OF Trayce Thompson

On the pitching side of things, injuries are still going to play a role in the construction of the staff right up until it’s time to submit the final roster to MLB. Tony Gonsolin will be on the roster and likely be the game three or four starter. He’ll join Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urias, and Tyler Anderson in the starting rotation. Dustin May and Andrew Heaney will make up swing man options to start or pitch in long relief.

With the Dodgers facing the Padres, the Heaney plan may shift to more of a traditional LOOGY role to face guys like Juan Soto or Trent Grisham.

Dodgers FINAL Starting Rotation for NLDS, Plan For Tony Gonsolin, LA’s Rotation Order & More!

In the bullpen, there are four locks, two probables, and several guys vying for the final spot on the roster.

Dodgers Final Postseason Bullpen, Blake Treinen Update, Will Craig Kimbrel Make Roster & More!

Final Pitching Predictions

1. Julio Urias*
2. Clayton Kershaw*
3. Tony Gonsolin
4. Tyler Anderson*
5. Dustin May
6. Andrew Heaney*
7. Yency Almonte
8. Brusdar Graterol
9. Tommy Kahnle
10. Chris Martin
11. Evan Phillips
12. Blake Treinen
13. Alex Vesia*

*= left-handed pitcher

Depending on the health and status of Blake Treinen, Caleb Ferguson or David Price could be on to ensure another lefty relief option. Yency Almonte would be the next in line to potentially be left off the roster if Treinen is good to go and the club opts to go with three lefties in the bullpen.

The NLDS begins on Tuesday night at 6:37 PM PT. Julio Urias is expected to be the Dodgers’ game one starter.