Andre Ethier to be on NLDS roster

LOS ANGELES DODGERS AT SAN DIEGO PADRES

Dodgers at Giants, 12:05 p.m.
Howie Kendrick, LF
Justin Turner, 3B
Corey Seager, SS
Yasiel Puig, RF
Adrián González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Joc Pederson, CF
Chase Utley, 2B
Kenta Maeda, P

By Jon Weisman

Andre Ethier will be on the Dodgers’ roster for the National League Division Series, Dave Roberts said before today’s regular-season finale at San Francisco.

Ethier joins fellow outfielders Yasiel Puig, Joc Pederson, Josh Reddick, Andrew Toles, Howie Kendrick, Kiké Hernández, though Ethier’s role would primarily be off the bench. Roberts praised the quality of Ethier’s at-bats since his return in September from six months on the disabled list.

With Ethier on the squad, that leaves at most one more opening for a position player. Right now, Charlie Culberson seems to be the leading candidate, if that slot doesn’t go to an extra pitcher. Potentially, Hernández’s spot would also be in jeopardy, which would be surprising given his presence in the big leagues essentially all season.

6 comments

    • Jon Weisman

      Without debating the merits of Hernandez, I suppose it is possible that someone like Culberson takes his spot, rather than a pitcher’s.

      • Jon Weisman

        No, not for sure – it’s been an assumption based on his role the entire season, but the past few days have unshaken my certainty of it.

      • throwdeuce

        Well hopefully they figure out it wouldn’t be a good move.
        As I’ve said before Joc could start the game against Gio, or start either Toles or Puig in center and either Toles (in center) or Reddick (in right with Puig in center). No need for Kike. And I like Toles getting the starts in left against the righties with Kendrick as right handed bat off bench.

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