Dodgers Announce NLDS Roster, Exclude Kershaw

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced their 26-man roster for the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the San Diego Padres, notably excluding veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw due to a recurring toe injury, and instead including four rookies, such as pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Landon Knack. Game 1 will see Yamamoto, who recently returned from injury, starting against San Diego's Dylan Cease. Shohei Ohtani, who joined the Dodgers with a record $700 million contract, will make his postseason debut. The Dodgers, who topped the NL West with a 98-64 record, are set to play at home against the Padres, who finished second in the division. The Padres, who took the season series 8-5 against the Dodgers, aim to repeat their 2022 playoff victory over Los Angeles. The NLDS will also see the New York Mets face the Philadelphia Phillies in their first-ever playoff series matchup.