Houston Astros Set ALCS Roster with One Curious Decision

The Houston Astros have set their roster for the ALCS with the Texas Rangers, and they've made one interesting decision in the outfield.

The Houston Astros have set their ALCS roster for the matchup with the Texas Rangers, and they've made one interesting decision: Putting pitcher Ronel Blanco on the roster over outfielder Jake Meyers.

Our ALCS roster is set. pic.twitter.com/8LiTXwqS9k

— Houston Astros (@astros) October 15, 2023

Carrying Blanco likely comes down to the fact that this is a seven-game series. In a seven-game series, you're going to need more arms, and with Kendall Graveman injured, Blanco is the next man up.

The roster:

C: Yainier Diaz and Martin Maldonado

INF: Jose Abreu, Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Mauricio Dubon, Jeremy Pena, Jon Singleton, Grae Kessinger

OF: Yordan Alvarez, Chas McCormick, Kyle Tucker, Michael Brantley

P: Bryan Abreu, Ronel Blanco, Hunter Brown, JP France, Cristian Javier, Phil Maton, Rafael Montero, Hector Neris, Ryan Pressly, Ryne Stanek, Jose Urquidy, Framber Valdez, Justin Verlander

Per the Astros' team news release:

The Astros have set their ALCS roster, which includes 13 pitchers and 13 position players...there was one change from their ALDS roster, with RHP Ronel Blanco being added, replacing OF Jake Meyers...on the roster are postseason veterans 2B Jose Altuve (96 games) and 3B Alex Bregman (90 games), who have played the most postseason games among all active Major League players…in addition to their active roster, the Astros are carrying 14 players with them throughout the postseason on their Taxi Squad.

This should be a great series, featuring two rivals from the American League West. The Astros won the series 9-4 this year.

Game 1 is being played on Sunday night at 8:07 p.m. ET while Game 2 is Monday afternoon at 4:37 p.m. ET.

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