Outfielder Justin Ruggiano and relief pitcher Joel Peralta said Thursday morning that they made the Dodgers’ National League Division Series roster, while reliever Juan Nicasio said he’s out.
Ruggiano’s role is a limited one. A right-handed hitter, he’s been used almost exclusively against left-handed pitchers (86 percent of the pitches he’s seen have been from lefties since joining the Dodgers). The Mets will start right-handers in Games 1 through 3, and only the availability of southpaw Steven Matz in Game 4 gives Ruggiano a possible start in the series.
Ruggiano might not have made the roster without a hand injury to Scott Van Slyke, who hasn’t taken batting practice all week. The 33-year-old journeyman has never appeared in a postseason game at the major-league level.
In all likelihood, Ruggiano’s presence on the roster means the Dodgers will have 14 position players and 11 pitchers for the series.
Nicasio, 29, had a 3.86 earned-run average in 53 appearances this season. However, he allowed 16 hits and eight runs in eight innings after Sept. 1. Peralta, 39, started poorly (20 IP, 24 H, 12 ER from April to August), but finished strong (9 IP, 4 H, 2 ER in September/October).
More to come.