The Atlanta Braves have announced their 25-man roster for Friday's Wild Card game against the St. Louis Cardinals, and they'll be deploying nine pitchers (three of whom are starters), three catchers, eight infielders and five outfielders.
With a win, the Braves advance to face the Washington Nationals in the National League Division Series, at which time they'll be able to set a brand new 25-man roster, thus the lack of need for many starting pitchers and the extra room for utility players for Friday's game. A loss ends the Braves' season.
Tim Hudson, Mike Minor and Friday's starter Kris Medlen are the starting pitchers Atlanta has on their roster for Friday. The relievers include Craig Kimbrel, Jonny Venters, Eric O'Flaherty, Cory Gearrin, Luis Avilan and Chad Durbin.
The catchers are J.C. Boscan, Brian McCann and Friday's starter David Ross. Infielders are Jeff Baker, Freddie Freeman, Eric Hinske, Chipper Jones, Lyle Overbay, Tyler Pastornicky, Andrelton Simmons and Dan Uggla. The outfield includes Michael Bourn, Jose Constanza, Jason Heyward, Reed Johnson and Martin Prado.
McCann will be available as a left-handed bat off the bench and backup catcher, which is likely why left-handed-hitting third baseman Juan Francisco was left off the roster. The Braves also have Overbay and Hinske available as left-handed hitters off the bench.
Friday's game is set for 5:05 p.m. ET and will be televised by TBS.