Pirates announce NL Wild Card Game roster

PITTSBURGH -- Rookie Keon Broxton's legs and infielder Pedro Florimon's glove are the X-factors included in the Pirates' roster for tonight's game against the Cubs.

Broxton, used as an occasional pinch-runner in September, and the smooth-fielding Florimon were included in the 25-man roster announced Wednesday morning by the Pirates for the National League Wild Card Game presented by Budweiser, which will air on TBS at 8 p.m. ET.

:: NL Wild Card Game: Cubs vs. Pirates -- Tune-in info ::

The addition of rookie Elias Diaz, who has yet to catch a pitch in a Major League game, is unique but not unexpected. Manager Clint Hurdle had earlier confirmed his plan to carry a third catcher for an emergency, just as he had for the Wild Card Games in 2013-14.

Also on the bench will be first baseman Michael Morse, and the bullpen will include Francisco Liriano, the one starting pitcher kept on the roster in addition to starter Gerrit Cole.

Wild Card rosters are always unique for two principal reasons. They can be overhauled for the subsequent Division Series -- thus they're designed to win one game over one specific opponent -- and they are reliever-heavy, with only one additional starting pitcher made available in the event of an early knockout or an injury.

Pitchers
LHP Antonio Bastardo
RHP Joe Blanton
RHP Arquimedes Caminero
RHP Gerrit Cole
RHP Jared Hughes
LHP Francisco Liriano
RHP Mark Melancon
RHP Joakim Soria
LHP Tony Watson

Catchers
Francisco Cervelli
Elias Diaz
Chris Stewart

Infielders
Pedro Alvarez
Pedro Florimon
Josh Harrison
Jordy Mercer
Michael Morse
Aramis Ramirez
Sean Rodriguez
Neil Walker

Outfielders
Keon Broxton
Starling Marte
Andrew McCutchen
Gregory Polanco
Travis Snider