One notable exclusion on Phillies Wild Card roster

The Phillies released their 26-man National League Wild Card roster on Tuesday.

There was really only one surprise, and it was the exclusion of right-hander Michael Lorenzen.

The Phils, instead, are going with 12 pitchers and 14 position players. Cristian Pache, Weston Wilson, and Jake Cave are all on the roster. Either Pache or Wilson will probably start in left field in Game 1 Tuesday night with left-handed pitcher Jeśus Luzardo starting for the Miami Marlins.

As expected, rookie right-hander Orion Kerkering is on the roster. Rob Thomson said Monday that he will be in use for “leverage situations.” The Phillies have two rookies who were not even on the team two weeks ago on the roster in Kerkering and Wilson.

Lorenzen, 31, was brilliant against the Marlins on August 3 in his first start with the Phillies. He threw a no-hitter in his next start. However, he has not been the same since then. He has a 6.18 ERA since the no-hitter. The Phillies moved him into a bullpen role a few weeks ago. Other than his first outing against the Atlanta Braves, he looked good but did not show enough to be trusted in high-leverage situations. Unless he is dealing with some sort of injury, it is possible Lorenzen will be added to the roster in future rounds if the Phillies move on.

Here is the Phillies’ Wild Card roster:

Pitchers (12): Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suarez, Cristopher Sanchez, Taijuan Walker, Jose Alvarado, Craig Kimbrel, Seranthony Dominguez, Gregory Soto, Matt Strahm, Jeff Hoffman, Orion Kerkering

Catchers (2): J.T. Realmuto, Garrett Stubbs

Infielders (6): Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Trea Turner, Alec Bohm, Edmundo Sosa, Weston Wilson

Outfielders (6): Nick Castellanos, Johan Rojas, Brandon Marsh, Cristian Pache, Jake Cave, Kyle Schwarber