The Atlanta Braves announced their roster for the National League Division Series today.
Notably, Dan Uggla is not on the roster. Uggla played 136 games this season, is third on the team with 22 home runs and is owed $13 million this season, making him the highest-paid player on the team. Uggla also batted .179, tied for the lowest average by a major-league regular with Rob Deer, who batted .179 in 1991. Uggla’s defense at second base is among the worst in the league.
Elliot Johnson figures to start at second base tomorrow. Evan Gattis, listed as a catcher below, figures to start in left field.
Another noticeable absence is Paul Maholm, who started 26 games in the regular season. The left-hander went 10-11 with a 4.41 ERA, including a 4.63 ERA (and .312 opponents’ batting average) in four September starts.
Instead, 36-year-old right-hander Freddy Garcia will start Game 4 behind Kris Medlen, Mike Minor and Julio Teheran. Garcia is on his third team this year, having been released in spring training by the Padres and bought out by the Baltimore Orioles after going 3-5 with a 5.77 ERA. Garcia turned it around in Atlanta, going 1-2 with a 1.65 ERA in six games (three starts).
The complete roster:
Pitchers:
Luis Avilan (L)
Luis Ayala (R)
David Carpenter (R)
Freddy Garcia (R)
David Hale (R)
Craig Kimbrel (R)
Kris Medlen (R)
Mike Minor (L)
Julio Teheran (R)
Jordan Walden (R)
Alex Wood (L)
Catchers:
Brian McCann
Gerald Laird
Evan Gattis
Infielders:
Freddie Freeman
Paul Janish
Chris Johnson
Elliot Johnson
Andrelton Simmons