MLB Playoffs Roster Updates: Verlander Out, Alvarez In

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez, right, celebrates his solo home run against the Los Angeles Angels with third base coach Gary Pettis during the seventh inning of a baseball game, Satu

The Houston Astros made the decision to exclude three-time Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander from their roster for the AL Wild Card Series against Detroit. Verlander, who struggled in his return after a neck injury, posted a 9.26 ERA in five September starts. Despite this, Astros manager Joe Espada expressed that Verlander could potentially join the roster for future rounds if the team advances.

On the other hand, injured slugger Yordan Alvarez was included in the roster. Alvarez, who missed the end of the regular season due to a right knee sprain, boasts an impressive postseason track record with a .295 batting average, 12 homers, and a .949 OPS in 58 games.

Additionally, outfielder Chas McCormick, recovering from a hand fracture, was also added to the Astros' roster.

Yordan Alvarez included despite recent knee sprain.

Justin Verlander excluded due to poor performance post-injury.

Chas McCormick added while recovering from hand fracture.

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves confirmed that NL Cy Young Award contender Chris Sale would not be available for the NL Wild Card Series against San Diego due to back spasms. The Braves also omitted Spencer Schwellenbach and Grant Holmes from the roster after their recent pitching appearances.

In Kansas City, Vinnie Pasquantino returned from a thumb injury to join the Royals' roster for the AL Wild Card Series against Baltimore. Although Pasquantino won't play first base, he is available as a hitter for the series.

For the Baltimore Orioles, right-handed reliever Colin Selby was chosen over Matt Bowman due to his strong performances and matchup advantages. Starting pitcher Albert Suárez did not make the roster.

Sal Frelick of the Milwaukee Brewers overcame a hip bruise sustained from a wall collision to be included in the NL Wild Card Series roster against the New York Mets. The Brewers also made adjustments to the stadium wall padding following Frelick's incident.

Lastly, the New York Mets opted to exclude Tylor Megill from their roster for the series against Milwaukee, while including Max Kranick, who impressed with his pitching in the minor leagues this season.

Detroit Tigers' right-hander Kenta Maeda was left off the roster after a high pitch count in his recent outing to allow rest for the team's relievers.