Spencer Strider is part of the Braves’ National League Division Series 26-player roster after he missed the end of the regular season with a left oblique strain. The Braves announced their roster for the NLDS before Game 1 of the playoff series against the Phillies on Tuesday.
Strider has been on the injured list since Sept. 24.
Strider threw bullpen sessions Sunday and Monday and was set to throw another Tuesday before Game 1, according to Braves manager Brian Snitker.
Snitker would not commit to how the Braves might use Strider during the series.
“It was good,” Snitker said after Game 1 of Strider’s bullpen session Tuesday. “He’s good, felt great. Again we’ll just check with him tomorrow after that and kind of go from there and kind of formulate a plan for him.”
The Braves have exercised extreme caution with Strider, who is in the mix to win National League Rookie of the Year. They haven’t pushed the flamethrower, who posted a 2.67 ERA over 31 games – 20 of them starts – this season. Strider struck out 202 batters over 131-2/3 innings. He reached 200 strikeouts in a season in the fewest innings in MLB history.
Here is the roster set by the team:
PITCHERS (12): RH Jesse Chavez, LH Max Fried, RH Raisel Iglesias, RH Kenley Jansen, LH Dylan Lee, RH Collin McHugh, LH A.J. Minter, RH Charlie Morton, RH Jake Odorizzi, RH Jackson Stephens, RH Spencer Strider, RH Kyle Wright
CATCHERS (2): William Contreras, Travis d’Arnaud
INFIELDERS (6): Ehire Adrianza, Orlando Arcia, Vaughn Grissom, Matt Olson, Austin Riley, Dansby Swanson
OUTFIELDERS (6): Ronald Acuña, Robbie Grossman, Michael Harris, Guillermo Heredia, Marcell Ozuna, Eddie Rosario
No Matzek for NLDS
Reliever Tyler Matzek was left off the roster because of elbow discomfort, according to Snitker. The left-hander is in Texas being evaluated.
Matzek last appeared in a game at the Marlins on Oct. 5. He worked two innings and allowed two hits, two earned runs and two walks. Snitker said Matzek felt discomfort during that game.
“It sucks,” Braves Game 2 starter Kyle Wright said. “He’s such a huge piece to this team, not just on the field, but off the field, too. He’s a great teammate. His experiences, I think, has helped me a lot just knowing what he’s gone through and how he’s been able to come back.”
Morton for Game 3?
With Wright set to start Game 2 on Wednesday, Snitker would not indicate who might start Game 3 when the series shifts to Philadelphia on Friday.
Snitker was asked if he was leaning toward starting Charlie Morton.
“We’re not leaning any way,” Snitker said. “We’re going to wait and see. There’s options there. Charlie will be ready, but we’re still in conversations about Strider, how we’re going to use him. He’s going to throw a light bullpen (session) today. But I think starting the next few days, we’re not 100% sure how we’re going to proceed there.”
No Ozzie
Ozzie Albies was left off the NLDS roster as he continues to recover from a broken finger. There remains no timetable on when the All-Star second baseman may return.
“He’s progressing good,” Snitker said. “Like I say, he’s been in a cast for extended periods. We’re going to carry him with us on the road and all, so they can continue to treat him up and do all the exercises and everything. It’s just about getting hand strength, mobility, and all that right now for him.”
Albies fractured his right pinkie on a headfirst slide into second base in a game against the Phillies in September. Albies had just returned after missing 81 games with a fractured left foot.
Phillies without Robertson after bizarre injury
The Phillies lost a key part of their bullpen ... in a celebration.
David Robertson was left on the Phillies’ NLDS roster with a right calf strain sustained when he jumped up to celebrate a Bryce Harper home run in Game 2 of the wild-card series against the Cardinals. He remained in Philadelphia to get treatment, according to Phillies manager Rob Thomson.
“Yesterday he got a PRP injection,” Thomson said. “He’s going to try to work through it. I don’t know when he’s going to be available. But obviously he’s off this round’s roster. Whether he’s available for the next round, we don’t know.”
Robertson was acquired from the Cubs before the trade deadline. In 23-1/3 innings for the Phillies this season, Robertson has pitched to a 2.70 ERA with 30 strikeouts.
