The Arizona Diamondbacks released their roster for the start of 2011 MLB Playoffs. The 25 players that will be eligible to take the field in the NLDS series against the Milwaukee Brewers includes the expected names like Justin Upton and Ian Kennedy but also a surprise addition with rookie Jarrod Parker.
Parker has a total of five innings pitched in the major leagues but made the roster as a possible long reliever or spot starter over fellow rookie Wade Miley who's started seven games (4-2, 4.50 ERA). Also left off the bullpen roster are lefties Zach Duke and Alberto Castillo.
Manager Kirk Gibson has only two lefties at all and one of them is likely Game 3 starter Joe Saunders. Joe Paterson is the only left-handed reliever available out the pen.
The Brewers only have two regular hitters in the lineup that bat from the left side but they are both dangerous --Prince Fielder and Nyjer Morgan. Gibson is likely counting on his starters going six or seven innings so he can turn the ball over to David Hernandez in the eight and J.J. Putz in the ninth.
Parker wasn't called up to the team until the middle of September which left some question if he was even eligible but apparently he was allowed to replace only of the eligible players who are on the disabled list (Xavier Nady or Jason Marquis).
The Diamondbacks can reset their playoff roster and put a few more lefties in the bullpen should they advance to the NLCS should the match-ups dictate that.
There were no surprises with the position players that made the roster.
Here's the Diamondbacks playoff roster for the 2011 MLB NLDS:
PITCHERS (11)
No. 15 Micah Owings RHP
No. 29 Brad Ziegler RHP
No. 30 David Hernandez RHP
No. 31 Ian Kennedy RHP
No. 34 Joe Saunders LHP
No. 39 Bryan Shaw RHP
No. 40 J.J. Putz RHP
No. 41 Daniel Hudson RHP
No. 47 Joe Paterson LHP
No. 55 Josh Collmenter RHP
No. 56 Jarrod Parker RHP
CATCHERS (2)
No. 12 Henry Blanco
No. 26 Miguel Montero
INFIELDERS (8)
No. 2 Aaron Hill
No. 11 Sean Burroughs
No. 14 Ryan Roberts
No. 16 John McDonald
No. 18 Willie Bloomquist
No. 27 Geoff Blum
No. 37 Lyle Overbay
No. 44 Paul Goldschmidt
OUTFIELDERS (4)
No. 4 Collin Cowgill
No. 8 Gerardo Parra
No. 10 Justin Upton
No. 24 Chris Young