The Washington Nationals announced their 25-man roster for the World Series against the Houston Astros. The most glaring name added is right-hand pitcher Joe Ross.
Ross hasn’t pitched since Sept. 29 — a sixth-inning start in which he allowed one run and four hits, striking out eight against the Cleveland Indians. He was left off both the NLDS and NLCS rosters.
Ross came on strong as a starter down the stretch, posting a 3.02 ERA and 1.455 WHIP in nine starts with a 4-2 record this season. He struggled mightily out of the bullpen this season, posting an 11.17 ERA with a 2.172 WHIP in 18 relief outings.
Ross can also pinch-run. So, if he is not needed out of the bullpen, he can be useful to the Nationals.
Washington also added right-hand pitcher Wander Suero. He was on the NLDS roster and was on the NLCS for Game 1 but replaced for the duration of the series by Daniel Hudson, who was activated off the paternity list for Game 2.
Out are right-hand pitcher Austin Voth and left-hand pitcher Rodney Elias. Patrick Corbin, suspected Game 3 or 4 starter, is expected to be available as a left-hand option out of the bullpen for Game 1, if needed.
The rest of the roster remains the same as the NLCS. We’ll have to wait to see who starts at second base between Asdrubal Cabrera and Brian Dozier when the lineups are released for Game 1 which starts Tuesday at 8:08 in Houston.
