CHICAGO -- Much of the Wild Card Series roster that was unveiled by the Cubs on Wednesday morning had a familiar look. And the main pieces are not only familiar from this season, but from recent Octobers.

After all, it will need to be the core group that leads the way back to the World Series for the Cubs. The North Siders missed out on the postseason a year ago, but they are back as the National League Central champions and aiming to put some new hardware next to the 2016 trophy.

"You get that excitement," Cubs outfielder Kyle Schwarber said. "Like, that butterfly feeling, just like you do every time. But, it's just a little bit more, just because we're back. We missed it last year, and you know what? You're back in it and all the excitement and all the adrenaline and the little minor details come back.

"You're just looking forward to getting to [Game 1] and stepping out on the field and competing with this group of guys. It's been a blessing that it's been pretty much almost the same group of guys for six years now."

There were only a few adjustments from the 28-man roster that the Cubs had to end the season.

First, Chicago purchased the contract of catcher Josh Phegley, who was originally on the Opening Day roster as a third catcher. In order to add him to the Cubs' 40-man roster, the North Siders designated left-hander Josh Osich for assignment.

The Cubs also activated utility man Ildemaro Vargas from the 10-day injured list, following his bout with a right hamstring injury. In order to have room for Phegley and Vargas, the Cubs removed relievers Brailyn Marquez and Duane Underwood Jr. from the active roster.

That roster shuffling means that starting pitchers Alec Mills, José Quintana and Adbert Alzolay will be available out of the bullpen in the Wild Card Series against the Marlins. Kyle Hendricks (Game 1), Yu Darvish (Game 2) and Jon Lester (Game 3, if necessary) are the planned starters for the best-of-three set.

Here is the Cubs' full Wild Card Series roster:

Pitchers (13): Jason Adam, Adbert Alzolay, Andrew Chafin, Yu Darvish, Kyle Hendricks, Jeremy Jeffress, Craig Kimbrel, Jon Lester, Alec Mills, José Quintana, Kyle Ryan, Ryan Tepera, Dan Winkler

Catchers (3): Victor Caratini, Willson Contreras, Josh Phegley

Infielders (7): Javier Báez, David Bote, Kris Bryant, Nico Hoerner, Jason Kipnis, Anthony Rizzo, Ildemaro Vargas

Outfielders (5): Billy Hamilton, Ian Happ, Jason Heyward, Cameron Maybin, Kyle Schwarber