2023 NLDS: Kolten Wong Over Amed Rosario For Dodgers Postseason Roster Was ‘Tough Decision’

The Los Angeles Dodgers postseason roster for their National League Division Series matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks didn’t necessarily feature any surprises, but there was somewhat of an unexpected development with Kolten Wong receiving a spot over Amed Rosario.

Rosario and Ryan Yarbrough were the only Dodgers trade-deadline acquisitions to not be included on their postseason roster.

“It was a tough one,” manager Dave Roberts said of selecting Wong instead of Rosario. “It was more driven by the fact that we have Kiké (Hernández) and C.T. (Chris Taylor) that are versatile players from the right side and having Amed, without a left-handed starter going for them, little redundant.

“And so to have a left-handed bat in Kolten, who you could have come out for some hitting situations, to come out of it with him on the bench we felt was a lot of value.”

The Diamondbacks’ postseason roster only had one change from their Wild Card Series group, which was to add Kyle Nelson in place of Bryce Jarvis. Nelson is a left-handed option out of the bullpen, which would seem to negate Wong, but the Diamondbacks pitching staff otherwise features a bevy of right-handed hitters.

Wong signed a Minor League contract with the Dodgers in August after being designated for assignment and released by the Seattle Mariners. He reported to Camelback Ranch to work with Dodgers hitting coaches before joining Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Wong had a brief stint with OKC as he joined the Dodgers once active rosters expanded at the beginning of September. He went on to appear in 20 games (four starts) and hit .300/.353/.500 with two home runs and eight RBI. That was in contrast to Rosario, who struggled through the final month of the regular season.

Kolten Wong reaches service time benchmark

By finishing the 2023 regular season with the Dodgers, Wong reached 10 years of Major League service time.

The MLB Players Association announced 30 players joined the group of those with 10 years of service time at various points this season. Also among them was former Dodgers pitcher Alex Wood, who joined the illustrious group in his third season with the San Francisco Giants.