The Dodgers officially announced their NLDS roster for their match-up against the Cardinals, and it includes a couple of changes.
Chris Capuano, used as a long-reliever for the Braves series, will not pitch against the Cardinals. Considering how poorly he's done against them in his career this is probably for the best. He has a lifetime ERA of 6.00 against them. Below are his career stats against them.
Also out of the roster is lefty-reliever Paco Rodriguez. As you know, he's struggled of late. Over the last month of the regular season he has recorded an ERA of 5.68 and a batting average against of .308. In the playoffs, he's given up 4 hits and 2 earned runs in less than an inning of play. Leaving Paco of the roster effectively leaves us with just one lefty, JP Howell, in the bullpen. So, this move has some risk. On the other hand, maybe his 78 appearances this year has been too much of a grind on the 22 year old, and he needs some time off.
Coming onto the roser are right-handed relievers Carlos Marmol and Edinson Volquez. Both players came to the Dodger late this season; Marmol via a trade with the Cubs for Guerrier and Volquez as a free agent after being dumped by the Padres.
Marmol has pitched surprisingly well during his approximate 3 months with the Dodgers; making 21 appearances with a 2.53 ERA. He's even done well against the Cardinals in his career. Check out his career stats against them below.
Edinson Volquez, on the other hand, has not pitched well this season. In his 6 appearances (5 of which as a starter) in Blue he's given up 13 earned runs in 28 innings. He likely replaces Capuano as our long-guy out of the 'pen.
Tonight's game starts at 5:37 PM PST on TBS. Zack Greinke will go against Joe Kelly.
Be sure to get home to watch as early as you can. Put up your shoes and pour a glass of your favorite drink. Rest, relax and put your Blue on 'cause this game should be a fun one.
