The Bullpen
Here’s where things start getting more interesting, but there are several relievers that are mortal locks to make the post-season roster: Kenley Jansen, Raisel Iglesias, A.J. Minter, Dylan Lee, Collin McHugh, and Jesse Chavez.
It is probable that Tyler Matzek and Jackson Stephens also join this group. That makes 8 relievers to join the 4 starters … 12 pitchers.
The borderline guys? Jake Odorizzi and wild card entries like Jackson Stephens, Bryce Elder, Kyle Muller, or Silvino Bracho. In the playoffs, pitcher who throw strikes and won’t walk hitters are the priority… but none of these guys really fit that mold, so let’s put a hold on adding pitchers for now — particularly since we’re just dealing with a best-of-5 series.
If Strider can’t go, then Odorizzi or Elder would be the logical choice.
The Positions
Most of this will be obvious… but there are still question marks surrounding second base and the outfield.
Another transaction from yesterday was the activation of Ozzie Albies from the 10-day IL. He had been there since fracturing a finger on his throwing hand. That came on the 17th of September, so we’re still only 3 weeks removed from that incident and there’s no reason to believe that he’s going to be ‘baseball ready’ for next week.
That leaves us with the following on the infield: Matt Olson, Orlando Arcia, Vaughn Grissom, Dansby Swanson, Austin Riley
For catchers… Travis d’Arnaud and William Contreras. More on this position in a minute.
In the outfield: Michael Harris II, Ronald Acuna Jr., Robbie Grossman, Eddie Rosario.
Let’s count heads… that’s 11 names. With the 12 pitchers, we’ve got 3 slots to go. So here’s the choices to fill out the bench…