The Arizona Diamondbacks announced their roster for the 2023 World Series ahead of Friday’s Game 1. The lone change from the NLCS roster is swapping out reliever Slade Cecconi for an extra infielder, Jace Peterson. After the bullpen helped carry them to a series victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, Torey Lovullo‘s club now looks to bulk up their defense as they square off against the Texas Rangers.
The World Series squad. #EmbraceTheChaos pic.twitter.com/rdzzaWAGaG
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) October 27, 2023
Breaking Down the Diamondbacks’ World Series Roster
Gabriel Moreno is set to do the bulk of the catching for the Diamondbacks, with Jose Herrera backing him up. Moreno has proven valuable on both sides of the ball this October, providing steady defense behind the plate and compiling clutch hits. He hit two home runs in the NLDS sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Against the Phillies, he hit .296 and drove in three runs.
In the infield, the D-backs will have Christian Walker at first, Ketel Marte at second, Geraldo Perdomo at shortstop, and Evan Longoria at third. Jordan Lawlar, Pavin Smith, Emmanuel Rivera, and Peterson will each be reserves. Marte is fresh off a monster NLCS, where he hit .387 with four doubles, three RBI, and a .987 OPS. This performance garnered him series MVP honors. Meanwhile, the veteran Longoria seeks the first title of his 16-year career.
The starting outfield for Game 1 consists of Lourdes Gurriel Jr. in left, Alek Thomas in center, and Corbin Carroll in right. Meanwhile, fourth outfielder Tommy Pham is serving as the DH in Game 1. It was Thomas who arguably saved Arizona’s season, as his clutch three-run homer to tie Game 4 of the NLCS brought the team back from the brink of a 3-1 series deficit.
The rotation will consist of Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, and Brandon Pfaadt. Also, there could possibly be a bullpen game in the mix, as there was for the aforementioned Game 4. In the bullpen, the righties are Miguel Castro, Luis Frias, Kevin Ginkel, Ryne Nelson, Ryan Thompson, and closer Paul Sewald. The southpaws are Joe Mantiply, Kyle Nelson, and Andrew Saalfrank. Look for Ginkel and Sewald to secure high-leverage outs in the late innings.
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