LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers formally announced their National League Division Series roster on Tuesday morning with a couple of surprises, none bigger than Craig Kimbrel being left off the roster.
Kimbrel, who was acquired to be the team’s closer before the end of Spring Training, was never able to find consistent success this year. He led the club with 22 saves, but was removed as closer in September. Just three weeks later, he’s not part of the Dodgers’ postseason roster.
“It was a tough conversation,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “But we wouldn’t be here without him. I can’t say enough about the character of Craig Kimbrel because, as a potential Hall of Famer, that’s not an easy conversation. He was very disappointed, as he should.”
The veteran right-hander was solid against right-handers this season, limiting them to a .576 OPS. But Kimbrel struggled against lefties, who posted a .778 OPS this season. With the Dodgers wanting neutral pitchers -- meaning relievers that can get both lefties and righties out -- the team elected to go in another direction.
Kimbrel has said he believes he’ll be ready to contribute in the postseason. It won’t happen in the NLDS, barring an injury replacement.
“We just have other guys that we felt had been more consistent and that match up with these guys better,” Roberts said. “Not to say that it can't change. My expectation, our expectation, is that Craig will be ready.”
While Kimbrel didn’t make the roster, Blake Treinen and Dustin May were able to prove they were healthy enough to make the cut. Treinen has made just five appearances this season and none since Sept. 5. But the right-hander gives the Dodgers another strong option in the bullpen. How his right shoulder holds up over the course of a series remains to be seen.
As for May, the Dodgers considered keeping him off the NLDS roster to allow him to continue building up for a potential NL Championship Series. May pitched three innings in a simulated game on Sunday, which will likely have him unavailable for the first two games of the Division Series.
May could be an option to start Game 3 or 4, if the Dodgers elect to go that route. However, it’s more likely that the Dodgers lean on Tony Gonsolin and have May come out of the bullpen, perhaps piggybacking Tyler Anderson.
On the position-player side, the only minor surprise was rookie Miguel Vargas making the roster over fan favorite Hanser Alberto. Vargas is the Dodgers’ No. 3 prospect according to MLB Pipeline and has shown some tools at the plate despite only posting a .170 average since making his MLB debut on Aug. 3. Vargas also gives the Dodgers upside and another right-handed option in the outfield, which could come into play against Padres’ left-hander Blake Snell or reliever Josh Hader.
“Vargy has been unbelievable at being a sponge and soaking it all in,” said Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner. “I have a feeling he is going to take some good at-bats for us, some big at-bats for us.”
Alberto was signed this offseason to help the Dodgers hit left-handed pitching. The 29-year-old has battled a knee injury and hasn’t been able to put things together at the plate, posting a .680 OPS against southpaws. Alberto, who has been a positive addition to the clubhouse, will be allowed in the Dodgers’ clubhouse despite not being on the active roster.
Here is the Dodgers' full roster for the NLDS:
RHP (8): Tony Gonsolin, Evan Phillips, Yency Almonte, Brusdar Graterol, Chris Martin, Tommy Kahnle, Blake Treinen, Dustin May
LHP (5): Julio Urias, Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Anderson, Andrew Heaney, Alex Vesia
C (2): Will Smith, Austin Barnes
INF (5): Freddie Freeman, Gavin Lux, Trea Turner, Justin Turner, Max Muncy
OF (6): Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger, Chris Taylor, Trayce Thompson, Joey Gallo, Miguel Vargas