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Rays and Astros announce ALDS rosters

By Ashley MacLennan

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 05: A general view of Minute Maid Park prior to the game between the Houston Astros and the Cleveland Indians during Game One of the American League Division Series on October 5, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 05: A general view of Minute Maid Park prior to the game between the Houston Astros and the Cleveland Indians during Game One of the American League Division Series on October 5, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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With the start of the ALDS mere hours away, the Tampa Bay Rays and Houston Astros have announced their rosters, and there are a few surprises following the Wild Card match.

After Mike Brosseau made a run-scoring throwing error following his mid-game shift from second base to third, there were questions about whether or not he might be included in the ALDS roster. On Friday morning as the rosters were announced, the answer was clear: he had not made the cut.

Eric Sogard, however, was included on the list. Sogard missed the latter half of September play because of a right foot injury, but much like Yandy Diaz, has recovered in time to hopefully play a key part in the postseason. Acquired by the Rays in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays while the team was playing in Toronto, Sogard has been a solid addition to the team, hitting .266/.328/.404 for the Rays in 37 games.

The other interesting move by the Rays is the inclusion of two-way player Brendan McKay in the pitching roster. McKay has played as both a pitcher and designated hitter this season for the Rays, with mixed results. As a pitcher he has a 5.14 ERA (but a not too shabby 4.03 FIP), and a 1.408 WHIP. While largely used to start games — 11 of his 13 pitching appearances were as a starter — he is more likely going to appear in relief for the Rays if used during the ALDS. As a batter he has appeared in seven games, and hit for .200/.273/.500, with a single home run.

The rest of the ALDS roster is in line with what Kevin Cash used for the Wild Card game.

The Astros roster is largely as anticipated, but the exclusion of Brad Peacock is worth noting. Peacock has done well for himself in the regular season with Houston over the past seven seasons, though posting higher numbers than usual this year with a 4.12 ERA, 4.42 FIP, and 1.189 WHIP. He has had his struggles in the postseason though with a 10.13 ERA in the 2017 ALDS.

Game One of the ALDS will be played today at 2:05ET at Minute Maid Park in Houston. The Tampa Bay Rays feed will be on FS1, and the Astros will be on FS1-INT. If you’re planning to listen on the radio the Rays broadcast will air on WDAE and WGES while the Astros will be on La Ranchera 850 AM and KBME.

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