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Reds include Hamilton on Wild Card Game roster

PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates won't know exactly when it will happen, or even if, but they now know for sure that any plan they have will have to include trying to stop Billy Hamilton from stealing.

A rookie base-stealer extraordinaire, Hamilton was included on the Reds' 25-man roster that was set on Tuesday morning ahead of the evening National League Wild Card Game against the Pirates (8:07 p.m. ET on TBS).

Hamilton, a September callup and Cincinnati's top prospect, stole 13 bases in 14 attempts and scored nine runs. He was often used as a pinch-runner in late innings when the Reds needed a tying or go-ahead run.

Because rosters can be changed before the NL Division Series against the Cardinals, if they advance, the Reds' roster features fewer starting pitchers and more bullpen and bench help.

Cincinnati is carrying ten pitchers, with one extra starting pitcher, Mike Leake, for insurance in case scheduled starter Johnny Cueto has an early exit. Also included was a fourth left-hander in the bullpen in Zach Duke, right-hander Logan Ondrusek and a sixth outfielder in Derrick Robinson.

Starters Bronson Arroyo and Homer Bailey were left off the roster. Fellow starting pitcher Mat Latos, who has a bone spur in his right elbow, was also kept off but is expected to pitch Game 1 of the NLDS if the Reds win on Tuesday.

Also missing were extra catcher Corky Miller and reliever Curtis Partch.

Here is the breakdown of the Reds' 25-man Wild Card roster:

Catchers: Ryan Hanigan, Devin Mesoraco.

Infielders: Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, Zack Cozart, Todd Frazier, Jack Hannahan, Cesar Izturis

Outfielders: Jay Bruce, Shin-Soo Choo, Ryan Ludwick, Chris Heisey, Xavier Paul, Billy Hamilton, Derrick Robinson

Starting pitchers: Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake

Relievers: Aroldis Chapman, Sam LeCure, J.J. Hoover, Alfredo Simon, Sean Marshall, Manny Parra, Logan Ondrusek, Zach Duke

Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Mark My Word, and follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon.
Read More: Cincinnati Reds, Billy Hamilton