LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers are considering adding left-handed pitcher Alex Vesia and shortstop Miguel Rojas to their roster for the upcoming World Series, while the New York Yankees appear ready to activate left-hander Nestor Cortes for Friday’s opening game.
Vesia missed the NL Championship Series roster due to an intercostal muscle injury sustained while warming up prior to the NL Division Series Game 5 against the San Diego Padres on October 11. Meanwhile, Rojas has been sidelined since Game 3 against the Padres on October 8 due to an adductor strain.
Right-handed pitcher Brusdar Graterol, who has been out since September 24 due to shoulder inflammation, is also aiming for a return to the mound. “Everyone is moving in the right direction,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated on Thursday. “We’ll be having more tough discussions, which is actually a positive sign. Alex threw 15 pitches in a simulated game yesterday, and his performance was encouraging. Graterol has also been making progress, so overall, our pitching situation is looking solid right now.”
Graterol previously made an impact in the 2020 World Series, pitching three scoreless innings against the Tampa Bay Rays, but he has only participated in seven regular-season games this year. The Dodgers plan to maintain a balance of 13 pitchers and 13 position players on their roster. Roberts acknowledged that Graterol’s month-long absence will be a factor in their decision-making.
“It’s all part of the calculations. Additionally, we have to consider his postseason history and how effective he has been when it matters most,” Roberts added. “We have a lot of faith in him as both a player and a person.”
As for Rojas, Roberts is optimistic about his recovery. “He participated fully in yesterday’s workout — he was running well, taking swings, and fielding ground balls—everything appears to be going smoothly,” the manager mentioned. “There’s a strong chance he will be included in the roster.”
On the Yankees’ side, Nestor Cortes has not taken the mound since September 18 due to an elbow flexor strain, but he managed to throw two innings of batting practice at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday. Manager Aaron Boone is contemplating selecting 13 pitchers for his 26-man roster.
“I still want to go through today’s session with Nestor and gauge where he is before making any final decisions,” Boone remarked.