When the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers revealed their active rosters on Sunday ahead of Game 1 of the National League Championship Series, their choices signaled two distinct approaches to surviving a best-of-seven matchup. The Dodgers reshaped their bullpen depth and accommodated an ailing veteran, while the Brewers opted for complete roster continuity.
Dodgers prioritize pitching coverage and veteran experience
The Dodgers adjusted their roster composition by pivoting from a 14-position player, 12-pitcher format used in the division series to an even 13-13 split, according to Sports Illustrated. Los Angeles added left-handed pitcher Justin Wrobleski and removed infielder Hyeseong Kim, who made only one appearance against the Atlanta Braves as a late defensive replacement.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated on Saturday that having a multi-inning arm was essential to protect against pitching volatility. Roberts noted that Milwaukee presents a balanced lineup from both sides of the plate, making length and innings coverage in medium-to-low leverage situations more critical than specific handedness match-ups, Sports Illustrated reported.
Wrobleski provides that exact length. The 26-year-old made his first All-Star appearance in 2026, posting a 12-5 record and a 3.66 ERA across 140 innings, according to the Associated Press. While Wrobleski worked primarily as a starter with 22 starts and six relief appearances, he logged an ERA of 4.63 across 11 2/3 relief innings late in the season, Sports Illustrated reported.
Meanwhile, 37-year-old infielder Miguel Rojas secured his spot on the roster despite lower back pain. Rojas exited Game 3 of the division series after slipping on the outfield grass and aggravating the issue during a swing, as reported by The Sporting News. Imaging largely revealed pre-existing back conditions, according to the AP. After missing Game 4, Rojas received a cortisone injection and participated in workouts at American Family Field on Saturday.
Rojas, playing on a $5.5 million deal and considering retirement after this season, hit a game-tying home run in Game 7 of last year’s World Series in Toronto, the AP reported. While Sports Illustrated reported that Rojas is unlikely to start Games 1 and 2 against right-handed pitchers, his ability to pinch-hit against left-handers and play multiple infield spots gives Los Angeles crucial late-game utility.
Brewers rely on rest and starting stability
In contrast to Los Angeles, the Brewers did not alter their 26-man group, carrying the exact roster that eliminated the San Diego Padres three games to one in the division series, the AP reported. The decision reflects confidence in a well-rested relief unit following several days off, according to Wisconsin Sports Heroics.
Milwaukee announced that Misiorowski, Henderson and Gasser will take the mound as starters for Games 1 through 3, Wisconsin Sports Heroics reported. Notably, May, who started Game 3 of the division series, was not assigned a rotation start for the opening three games. His shift potentially positions him as a relief option against his former team, the Dodgers.
Milwaukee’s pitching blueprint relies heavily on high-leverage bullpen roles. Wisconsin Sports Heroics noted that Ashby delivered three scoreless relief innings to close out Game 4 against San Diego, while Uribe and Megill consistently secured the eighth and ninth innings throughout October.
The stakes for both franchises
The matchup marks a high-stakes postseason rematch between the two clubs. The Dodgers are four victories away from reaching their third consecutive World Series, according to The Sporting News. Milwaukee is pursuing its first World Series appearance since 1982 and its first since moving to the National League, Wisconsin Sports Heroics reported.
With Game 1 scheduled for Sunday night in Milwaukee, the series will test whether Wrobleski can stabilize the Dodgers’ middle innings and whether Rojas can effectively contribute off the bench against Milwaukee’s rested arms.
