Nationals carrying 3 lefty relievers on NLDS roster

LOS ANGELES — The Nationals announced their 25-man roster for the National League Division Series on Friday morning, and will carry three left-handed relief pitchers in the best-of-five against the Dodgers.

Sammy Solis, Oliver Perez and Mark Rzepczynski will all be in the bullpen for the Nationals, who are carrying seven relievers and four starting pitchers. Gio Gonzalez is the only left-handed pitcher among the Nationals starters.

The Dodgers hit just .213/.290/.332 against southpaws in 2016, worst across the board in the majors.

Starting pitcher Joe Ross, a right-hander, made the roster for Washington as well, as did rookie swing man Reynaldo Lopez.

Washington is carrying two catchers — switch-hitter Jose Lobaton and right-hander Pedro Severino, with the latter starting in Game 1.

“Lobaton is a little bit injured and that's one reason why he's not catching [Game 1],” Nationals manager Dusty Baker said on Thursday.

Among those on the Nationals bench is switch-hitting utility infielder Wilmer Difo. The 24-year-old hit .276/.364/.379 in 31 game and 66 plate appearances in the majors in 2016.

“Number one, he's a switch-hitter. You know, he has speed,” Baker said. “He's very good from the right side and also he can play all three infield positions, and with Daniel Murphy still coming off an injury, he gives us a possibility at second base late in the game and run for Murphy, as well.”

Nationals NLDS roster

Starting pitchers (4): Max Scherzer, Tanner Roark, Gio Gonzalez, Joe Ross

Relief pitchers (7): Mark Melancon, Shawn Kelley, Blake Treinen, Reynaldo Lopez, Sammy Solis, Oliver Perez, Mark Rzepczynski

Catchers (2): Jose Lobaton, Pedro Severino

Infielders (7): Ryan Zimmerman, Daniel Murphy, Danny Espinsosa, Anthony Rendon, Clint Robinson, Wilmer Difo, Stephhen Drew

Outfielders (5): Jayson Werth, Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, Chris Heisey, Michael Taylor