Don Mattingly explains Dodgers lineup and roster decisions

The abundance of left-handed hitters on the New York Mets’ roster resulted in Juan Nicasio’s exclusion from the Dodgers’ division series roster, Manager Don Mattingly explained Friday.

“We didn’t really feel like we were ever going to get sections against those guys that you’re going to get a number of righties together,” Mattingly said.

Left-handed hitters batted .348 against Nicasio this season.

Instead of Nicasio, the Dodgers will include the likes of Pedro Baez, Yimi Garcia and Joel Peralta.

Mattingly said there was little reluctance on his part to include Yasiel Puig on the roster.

Puig, Scott Van Slyke and Justin Ruggiano were under consideration for two spots on the bench; the decision was taken out of Mattingly’s hands when Van Slyke went down with a wrist injury.

“It kind of worked itself out,” Mattingly said.

Mattingly categorized Puig as “full go,” meaning there are no limitations on how he could be used.

Of batting 21-year-old rookie Corey Seager third, Mattingly said, “He seemed to handle everything.”

Mattingly spoke highly of Seager’s poise.

“I think he’s just not been overwhelmed at all,” Mattingly said. “Just kind of calm and the same demeanor he’s had when we’ve seen him in spring training.

“He made a couple of errors one day … but it didn’t change his demeanor or anything. He just seems well-equipped to handle it.”

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