Rays Add Brody Hopkins, Leave Garrett Cleavinger Off ALCS Roster

The Tampa Bay Rays will begin the American League Championship Series on Monday with Game 1 at Tropicana Field against the Cleveland Guardians. 

Earlier today, both teams announced their rosters with some surprises on each side. 

For the second straight series, Tampa Bay has made the decision to go with 14 position players and only 12 pitchers. However, they made some changes to which arms they've chosen for the matchup with the Guardians. 

After being the most notable snub on the ALDS roster, promising pitching prospect Brody Hopkins has made it onto the ALCS squad for Kevin Cash and the Rays. Hopkins brings velocity and a different style of pitching compared to the rest of the pitching staff. One thing that does bring concern, however, is that his walk rate has been higher than most and could be seen as a potential issue in high-leverage situations. 

Hopkins will replace Garrett Cleavinger on the ALCS roster, who did not pitch in the ALDS against the Yankees. Hopkins will give Tampa Bay another right-handed option in the bullpen, and his triple-digit fastball velocity will always be a threat. 

If the Rays are able to have the same type of success pitching as they did against the New York Yankees, then only choosing 12 on the roster will be more than enough. Tampa Bay used only 8 pitchers in the entire ALDS sweep against New York. 

Here is the Rays' complete ALCS roster:

Here is the complete roster: 

Pitchers (12): Drew Rasmussen, Freddy Peralta, Nick Martinez, Griffin Jax, Ian Seymour, Bryan Baker, Tyler Wells, Kevin Kelly, Cam Booser, Brody Hopkins, Cole Sulser, Steven Matz

Catchers (2): Liam Hicks, Nick Fortes

Infielders (6): Jonathan Aranda, Richie Palacios, Taylor Walls, Junior Caminero, Ben Williamson, Jorge Mateo

Outfielders (5): Chandler Simpson, Cedric Mullins, Victor Mesa Jr., Jonny DeLuca, Ryan Vilade

Designated hitter (1): Yandy Díaz

As for the Guardians, they have decided to go with one extra pitcher compared to Tampa Bay and keep it even with 13 position players and 13 pitchers on the ALCS roster. 

The only change Cleveland made from their ALDS roster, where they completed a series win against the Chicago White Sox, was dropping utility man Daniel Schneemann and adding right-handed pitcher Slade Cecconi.

During the season, Cecconi had a 4.91 ERA in 121 innings over 28 games. He will likely be one of the last options out of the bullpen for Stephen Vogt. 

First pitch for Game 1 between the Guardians and the Rays will be at 8:00 pm Eastern on Monday.