MILWAUKEE – The Braves announced their National League Division Series roster Friday morning, a few hours before facing the Brewers in Game 1.
Their roster includes 14 position players and 12 pitchers (six lefties) for the best-of-five series.
“It’s always tough when you have to bring somebody in who’s helped you (get) where you’re going (and tell them they didn’t make the roster),” manager Brian Snitker said. “That’s one of the hardest things, whether it’s a position player or pitcher, who doesn’t make the roster when they’ve helped you get here. I told the guys after we won (the division), you prepare for your opponent and what the best matchup will be with the guys you have. Not everybody can make it. But if you make it to the next round, everybody is in play again.”
Lefty Drew Smyly, who was bumped from the rotation in August, made the roster. He gives the Braves depth and another lefty against a Brewers lineup in which several players are less effective against southpaws. Snitker complimented Smyly, saying the veteran has thrown “really well” recently. Smyly has allowed two runs in six relief appearances (11 innings).
Southpaw Dylan Lee made the cut after appearing in only two career games, both of which came in the Braves’ final regular-season series against the Mets. Snitker mentioned the importance of Lee’s left-handed breaking ball. The decision to carry Lee gives the Braves another lefty to pair with A.J. Minter, Tyler Matzek, Will Smith and Smyly in the bullpen.
Charlie Morton was set to start Game 1, followed by Max Fried and Ian Anderson in the following contests, respectively. While the Braves haven’t announced it, they’re likely looking at a bullpen game for Game 4 (if necessary). Huascar Ynoa could open the game, with Smyly among those giving them further reinforcements. They also have Jesse Chavez for additional length.
Speedster Terrance Gore, who spent the season with Triple-A Gwinnett, made the roster as a pinch-runner. Gore, 30, has stolen 40 bases in 102 career games. He’s made a name for himself as a situational player in October, stealing five bases in nine games. While he hasn’t appeared in a World Series contest, he has two rings won with the Royals (2015) and Dodgers (2020).
“That’s why (general manager) Alex (Anthopoulos) hired him and put him in Triple-A,” Snitker said of Gore’s speed. “We had two or three different guys over the years that have provided that role. Hopefully we can get somebody on (base) to use him. But you like to have that runner if you can. And with the 26 guys, we were afforded that luxury.”
Gore, who was born in Macon and graduated from Jones County High School, was the only possible surprise among the Braves’ position-player decisions. They carried two catchers, Travis d’Arnaud and William Contreras, and two reserve infielders in Ehire Adrianza and Orlando Arcia. Their outfield includes Adam Duvall, Jorge Soler, Eddie Rosario, Joc Pederson and Guillermo Heredia, along with Gore.
Among the notable players left off the roster were right-handed relievers Richard Rodriguez and Chris Martin. Rodriguez, acquired during Anthopoulos’ busy trade deadline, had a 6.75 ERA across his past 10 outings. He surrendered five homers in those 9-1/3 innings. Martin, meanwhile, had a 4.57 ERA in the second half.
“I’m sure they didn’t like it,” Snitker said. “But again, it’s more who you’re playing more than what they can or can’t do. So they’ll both be in play for the next round if we advance.”
The NLDS opens Friday and continues Saturday. The series shifts to Atlanta for at least one game next week. If a decisive Game 5 is necessary, it will be Oct. 14 in Milwaukee.
The Braves’ 26-man roster, as provided by the team:
Pitchers (12): RH Ian Anderson, RH Jesse Chavez, LH Max Fried, RH Luke Jackson, LH Dylan Lee, LH Tyler Matzek, LH A.J. Minter, RH Charlie Morton, LH Will Smith, LH Drew Smyly, RH Jacob Webb, RH Huascar Ynoa
Catchers (2): William Contreras, Travis d’Arnaud
Infielders (6): Ehire Adrianza, Ozzie Albies, Orlando Arcia, Freddie Freeman, Austin Riley, Dansby Swanson
Outfielders (6): Adam Duvall, Terrance Gore, Guillermo Heredia, Joc Pederson, Eddie Rosario, Jorge Soler
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