The National League Division Series (NLDS) between the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers commenced recently, featuring Matthew Boyd and Freddy Peralta as the starting pitchers in Game 1. This exciting matchup highlights the long-standing rivalry between these two NL Central teams.
Cubs and Brewers NLDS Rosters
Both teams revealed their 26-man rosters for the series, consisting of key players and strategic choices.
Chicago Cubs Roster
- Catchers: Moises Ballesteros, Carson Kelly, Reese McGuire
- Infielders: Michael Busch, Nico Hoerner, Matt Shaw, Dansby Swanson, Justin Turner
- Outfielders: Kevin Alcantara, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Kyle Tucker
- Utilityman: Willi Castro
- Left-handed Pitchers: Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, Drew Pomeranz, Caleb Thielbar
- Right-handed Pitchers: Aaron Civale, Ben Brown, Brad Keller, Andrew Kittredge, Daniel Palencia, Colin Rea, Michael Soroka, Jameson Taillon
The Cubs maintained a similar roster to their wild card series against the San Diego Padres, featuring 14 position players and 12 pitchers. Ben Brown replaced left-hander Taylor Rogers, a decision influenced by his strikeout potential and matchup suitability against the Brewers.
Milwaukee Brewers Roster
- Catchers: William Contreras, Danny Jansen
- Infielders: Jake Bauers, Caleb Durbin, Andruw Monasterio, Joey Ortiz, Brice Turang, Andrew Vaughn
- Outfielders: Jackson Chourio, Isaac Collins, Sal Frelick, Brandon Lockridge, Blake Perkins, Christian Yelich
- Left-handed Pitchers: Aaron Ashby, Robert Gasser, Jared Koenig, Jose Quintana
- Right-handed Pitchers: Grant Anderson, Nick Mears, Trevor Megill, Jacob Misiorowski, Freddy Peralta, Chad Patrick, Quinn Priester, Abner Uribe
The Brewers also opted for a roster including 14 position players and 12 pitchers. One notable absence was Rhys Hoskins, primarily due to injuries that limited his playtime this season. His position at first base has been taken over by Andrew Vaughn.
Injury Updates
Both teams face challenges with injured players. Cubs pitcher Cade Horton was not included in the NLDS roster, as he is recovering from a rib fracture and won’t be eligible until Game 5 if needed. Brewers manager Pat Murphy noted that Brandon Woodruff, also sidelined with a lat strain, may be an option later in the postseason if the team advances further into October.
This NLDS promises competitive gameplay as both the Cubs and Brewers showcase their strengths and adapt strategies in pursuit of victory.
