Cubs keep three catchers, add rookie Almora as playoff roster set

Rookie Albert Almora Jr. earned a spot on the Cubs’ playoff roster for the National League Division Series, which opens tonight against the Giants.

Almora, who made his debut June 7, is an elite fielder who has played all three outfield spots and hit .277 with 13 extra-base hits in 112 at-bats. He has not faced the Giants this season.

He’s one of three rookies the Cubs will take into the playoffs, joining right-hander Carl Edwards Jr. and catcher Willson Contreras (one of three catchers).

Left off the 25-man playoff roster was backup outfielder Matt Szczur, who was on the roster all season.

The complete playoff roster, which was released this morning:

Starting pitchers: LH Jon Lester, RH Kyle Hendricks, RH Jake Arrieta, RH John Lackey.

Bullpen: Closer Aroldis Chapman, RH Hector Rondon, RH Pedro Strop, RH Justin Grimm, RH Carl Edwards Jr., LH Mike Montgomery, LH Travis Wood.

Catchers: Miguel Montero, David Ross, Willson Contreras.

Infielders: Anthony Rizzo, Ben Zobrist, Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Javy Baez, Tommy La Stella.

Outfielders: Jorge Soler, Dexter Fowler, Jason Heyward, Chris Coghlan, Albert Almora Jr.