PITTSBURGH, Pa. - The Pittsburgh Pirates hope Francisco Liriano won't have to pitch until Friday.

Still, the Pirates placed Liriano on the 25-man roster for Wednesday night's wild-card game against the Chicago Cubs should starter Gerrit Cole falter or the contest go deep into extra innings.

The Pirates went with 16 position players and nine pitchers for the elimination game between the teams with the second and third best record in the majors.

Pittsburgh placed rookie outfielder Keon Broxton on the roster and made Elias Diaz the third catcher behind Francisco Cervelli and Chris Stewart.