Dodger Roster Updates Before the World Series

Dodgers Roster Updates Ahead of World Series Game 1

Two High-Leverage Relievers Off

Alex Vesia is still dealing with a family situation and is unlikely to play in the World Series, per manager Dave Roberts. They did not place the left-hander on the Family Emergency List. This option allows the player to miss up to three days away from the team. However, President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman says they did not want to put any pressure on Vesia to return. He said the situation is “bigger than baseball.” The only way the left-hander could make the roster now is if there were an injury.

A Closing Option?

Tanner Scott, who was deemed the Dodgers’ closer for most of the seaso,n was also left off the roster for the World Series. He had a procedure during the Division Series that caused him to be removed and replaced by right-hander Ben Casparius. Roberts elaborated further by saying that Scott’s stuff “wasn’t quite there.” For his part, Ben Casparius has been replaced. as well.

Youth Will Be Served

Due to the Blue Jays’ right-handed dominant lineup, the Dodgers chose right-handed relievers Will Klein and Edgardo Henriquez. Roberts said that the two pitchers have stuff that could keep  Toronto’s “powerful bats at bay.” Adding, “It’s stuff they haven’t seen.” Both relievers have been called up earlier this season to fill in for multiple pitchers landing on the injured list. The Dodgers are confident that their velocity and repertoire will be effective in the upcoming games.

It will be interesting to see how these young hurlers handle postseason pressure. We are about to find out.