Introduction to the Cubs’ Roster
The Cubs have released their 26-man roster for the National League Division Series against the Brewers, with a notable change from the wild-card round against the Padres. The team has swapped out lefty Taylor Rogers for right-hander Ben Brown, aiming to bring a different mix to their pitching staff.
Rationale Behind the Roster Change
Manager Craig Counsell explained that the decision to add Ben Brown was based on his ability to strike out batters, which could be a valuable asset in the bullpen. Brown, who struggled as a starter with a 6.30 ERA over 15 starts, is expected to perform better in shorter innings due to his electric arm. However, his command issues, reflected in his average fastball velocity being in the 75th percentile during the regular season, will need to be managed.
Impact on the Pitching Staff
The addition of Brown meant that right-hander Javier Assad was left off the roster. Assad had a strong finish to the season with a 3.18 ERA over four outings in September but missed the majority of the season due to a strained left oblique. Counsell acknowledged that Assad was under strong consideration for the roster, indicating the difficulty of the decision.
Current State of the Pitching Staff
The pitching staff is still recovering from the wild-card round, with several pitchers having worked consecutively or extensively. Right-hander Andrew Kittredge pitched three straight days, righty Brad Keller pitched 2 1/3 innings and struggled in the clinching game, and righty Daniel Palencia pitched three innings over the series. These factors will influence bullpen usage during the NLDS, especially considering the three off days in the five-game series, which significantly impacts what relievers can do.
Starting Lineup Decisions
Matthew Boyd has been chosen to start Game 1 of the NLDS against the Brewers, partly due to his low pitch count (58) in Game 1 of the wild-card series, making him a comfortable choice to start on short rest. Boyd had expressed his desire to start Game 1 since the Cubs advanced. Additionally, because of the off day between Game 1 and Game 2, left-hander Shota Imanaga would be lined up to start Game 2 on regular rest, though it’s possible that right-hander Jameson Taillon could be available for Game 2 on short rest.
Left-Handed Pitchers
- LHP Matthew Boyd
- LHP Shota Imanaga
- LHP Drew Pomeranz
- LHP Caleb Thielbar
Right-Handed Pitchers
- RHP Aaron Civale
- RHP Brad Keller
- RHP Andrew Kittredge
- RHP Daniel Palencia
- RHP Colin Rea
- RHP Michael Soroka
- RHP Jameson Taillon
- RHP Ben Brown
Catchers
- C/DH Moisés Ballesteros
- C Carson Kelly
- C Reese McGuire
Infielders
- 1B Michael Busch
- 2B Nico Hoerner
- SS Dansby Swanson
- 3B Matt Shaw
- INF/DH Justin Turner
- UTL Willi Castro
Outfielders
- OF Kevin Alcántara
- CF Pete Crow-Armstrong
- LF Ian Happ
- RF Seiya Suzuki
- RF Kyle Tucker
Conclusion
The Cubs’ roster for the NLDS against the Brewers reflects strategic decisions aimed at maximizing the team’s potential, particularly in the bullpen. The inclusion of Ben Brown and the choice of Matthew Boyd for Game 1 highlight the team’s effort to balance experience with the need for fresh arms and strategic pitching matchups. As the series progresses, the team’s ability to adapt and manage its pitching staff effectively will be crucial.
FAQs
- Q: Who is the new addition to the Cubs’ roster for the NLDS?
A: Ben Brown, a right-hander, has been added to the roster. - Q: Why was Ben Brown added to the roster?
A: Brown was added for his ability to strike out batters, bringing a different mix to the pitching staff. - Q: Who was left off the roster to make room for Ben Brown?
A: Right-hander Javier Assad was left off the roster. - Q: Who is starting Game 1 of the NLDS for the Cubs?
A: Matthew Boyd is starting Game 1 against the Brewers.
