Chicago Cubs: La Stella dropped, Zastryzny added to NLCS roster

The Chicago Cubs made just one change to their NLCS roster, adding Rob Zastryzny to the bullpen. Tommy La Stella was dropped from the roster to make room.

The Chicago Cubs made a change to their NLCS roster, adding LHP Rob Zastryzny to the bullpen. With just one off day for travel, the extra arm in the bullpen could be necessary against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Zastryzny seemed to be the obvious choice with the struggles of the Dodgers against left-handers this year.

Infielder Tommy La Stella was bumped from the roster to make room for Zastryzny. I’ve been pretty transparent about my feelings for La Stella. While he is a good ballplayer, the “drama” he added to the team when he was sent down left a sour taste in my mouth. The Cubs seemed to take it in stride, but I think that was part of a plan to not disrupt the chemistry of the team. So in my mind, I have no issues with this move at all.

Zastryzny had a small sample against the Dodgers this season and fared very well. In 3 2/3 innings, he allowed just four hits while striking out three. The Dodgers as a team hit just .213 against LHP this season. With the likes of Zastryzny added to the mix of Aroldis Chapman, Travis Wood and Mike Montgomery—Joe Maddon will have options.

Miguel Montero had been dealing with some back tightness, but that appears to have cleared up enough to keep him on the roster. It’s an issue he’s dealt with in recent years, but he’ll be part of this year’s NLCS.

Next: Let's Fly the W together

So with the Cubs roster set, we’re looking forward to Game 1 tonight as Jon Lester takes the mound against the Dodgers’ Kenta Maeda. The Cubs missed Kershaw and Maeda in their season series.