The Astros announced their 26-man roster for the World Series. As previously announced, Justin Verlander will be the starting pitcher for Game 1 tonight against the Phillies.
Veteran left-hander Will Smith joins the roster, taking the place of right-hander Seth Martinez. This is the first time Smith has been included in Houston’s playoff run, while Martinez was on the roster for the ALCS but didn’t pitch during the Astros’ four-game sweep of the Yankees. Smith hasn’t pitched in a game since October 4, in Houston’s second-last outing of the regular season (by coincidence, that game was also against the Phillies).
Though there is a natural risk of rust after a pretty lengthy layoff for Smith, he also brings plenty of postseason experience, including a ring just last year with the Braves. The southpaw was a force for Atlanta throughout the playoffs, throwing 11 innings over 11 games without allowing a single run. As MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart tweets, Smith also has a strong track record against Philadelphia’s left-handed batters — Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Brandon Marsh, and Bryson Stott are a collective 2-for-20 against Smith. Harper has the only two hits over his 14 at-bats against Smith, and since Harper has been on a tear throughout the playoffs, the Astros seem to be eyeing Smith as a way of trying to neutralize the NLCS MVP.
Right-Handed Pitchers
Left-Handed Pitchers
Catchers
Infielders
Outfielders
