Cubs announce roster for World Series … Cubs carrying 11 pitchers, 14 position players on 25-man roster
The World Series begins tonight (7:08pm CDT) at Progressive Field with Jon Lester taking on Corey Kluber. The Cubs released the 25-man roster for the World Series. The Cubs have 11 pitchers on the roster and 14 position players, including Kyle Schwarber.
The Cubs made two changes from the NLCS roster to the World Series roster, Rob Zastryzny is not on the roster with Schwarber being added as a 14th position player. Schwarber will only be used as the designed hitter and pinch-hitter for The Series.
The Cubs stayed with three catchers on the roster. With the Indians running game, it is unclear if Miguel Montero will catch Jake Arrieta in Game 2.
• Starting Rotation: LHP Jon Lester, RHP Jake Arrieta, RHP Kyle Hendricks, RHP John Lackey
• Relievers: LHP Aroldis Chapman, RHP Hector Rondon, RHP Pedro Strop, RHP Justin Grimm, RHP Carl Edwards Jr., LHP Mike Montgomery, LHP Travis Wood
• Catchers: Miguel Montero, Willson Contreras, David Ross
• Infielders: Anthony Rizzo, Ben Zobrist, Addison Russell, Kris Bryant, Javier Baez
• Outfielders: Dexter Fowler, Jason Heyward, Jorge Soler, Albert Almora Jr., Chris Coghlan
• Designated Hitter: Kyle Schwarber
The Cubs officially listed Kyle Schwarber as a catcher/outfielder on the roster.
Cubs 25-Man World Series Roster
Pitchers (11)
Starters
- LHP Jon Lester
- RHP Jake Arrieta
- RHP Kyle Hendricks
- RHP John Lackey
Relievers
- LHP Aroldis Chapman
- RHP Hector Rondon
- RHP Pedro Strop
- RHP Justin Grimm
- RHP Carl Edwards Jr.
- LHP Mike Montgomery
- LHP Travis Wood
Catchers (3)
- Miguel Montero
- Willson Contreras
- David Ross
Infielders (5)
- Anthony Rizzo
- Ben Zobrist
- Addison Russell
- Kris Bryant
- Javier Baez
Outfielders (5)
- Dexter Fowler
- Jason Heyward
- Jorge Soler
- Albert Almora Jr.
- Chris Coghlan
Designated Hitter (1)
- Kyle Schwarber
The Cubs will keep Rob Zastryzny, Jason Hammel, Joe Smith and Trevor Cahill stretched out and ready in case there is an injury to the pitching staff. On the position player side, Matt Szczur and Tommy La Stella will remain options for the Cubs in case there is an injury. Kyle Schwarber cannot be replaced on the roster if he re-injures his knee. Players that aggravate an existing injury cannot be replaced on a postseason roster.
Indians 25-Man World Series Roster
Position players (13)
- C Yan Gomes
- C Roberto Perez
- 1B Carlos Santana
- 1B Mike Napoli
- 2B Jason Kipnis
- SS Francisco Lindor
- 3B Jose Ramirez
- IF Michael Martinez
- OF Coco Crisp
- OF Rajai Davis
- OF Tyler Naquin
- OF Lonnie Chisenhall
- OF Brandon Guyer
Pitchers (12)
- RHP Corey Kluber
- RHP Trevor Bauer
- RHP Josh Tomlin
- LHP Ryan Merritt
- RHP Danny Salazar
- RHP Mike Clevinger
- RHP Jeff Manship
- RHP Zach McAllister
- RHP Dan Otero
- RHP Bryan Shaw
- LHP Andrew Miller
- RHP Cody Allen
The Indians made two changes from their ALCS roster. Danny Salazar is on the World Series roster and could start Game 4. The Indians left Cody Anderson off the roster. Terry Francona has only one left-handed reliever in his bullpen.
The Indians are talking about starting Salazar in Game 4 and piggybacking him with LHP Ryan Merritt. Salazar has not pitched in a game since Sept. 9. Salazar threw a three-inning simulated game Sunday.
The Indians are also planning on starting Corey Kluber in games one, four and seven. The Indians starting staff has struggled with injuries. The Indians think if they can get the game to the fifth inning with a lead, Andrew Miller, Cody Allen and the bullpen will shut down the Cubs and nail down the win.
Joe Maddon’s Game 1 lineup should be released by the team around five hours before the scheduled first pitch.