Dodgers release NL division series roster

The Dodgers’ roster for the National League division series includes 12 pitchers, including left-hander Scott Elbert and rookie right-hander Carlos Frias.

Among the notable cuts were infielder Darwin Barney, left-hander Paco Rodriguez and outfielder Joc Pederson.

In the final month of the regular season, the sure-handed Barney was sometimes used as a late-game defensive replacement for second baseman Dee Gordon. But rather than have him in reserve, the Dodgers elected to take an extra reliever to bolster to their unstable bullpen.

Elbert underwent three elbow operations in the last two years. He was called up from the minor leagues in September. His appearance on Sept. 13 was his first in the major leagues since 2012.

Elbert appeared in seven games and posted a 2.08 earned-run average. Elbert was chosen to be the team’s second left-hander – setup man J.P. Howell is the other – over Paco Rodriguez. Rodriguez returned in September from a back muscle injury and gave up only one run in seven games.

The hard-throwing Frias finished the season with a 6.12 earned-run average but pitched three scoreless innings of relief in his final most recent appearance.

The Cardinals released their division series roster Thursday.

It’s unknown whether the Dodgers didn’t release their roster until Friday for strategic reasons or because they were simply indecisive.

Dodgers roster:

Pitchers (12)
Pedro Baez, RHP
Scott Elbert, LHP
Carlos Frias, RHP
Zack Greinke, RHP
Dan Haren, RHP
J.P. Howell, LHP
Kenley Jansen, RHP
Clayton Kershaw, LHP
Brandon League, RHP
Hyun-Jin Ryu, LHP
Brian Wilson, RHP
Jamey Wright, RHP

Position players (13)
Drew Butera, C
Carl Crawford, LF
A.J. Ellis, C
Andre Ethier, LF
Dee Gordon, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Matt Kemp, RF
Yasiel Puig, CF
Hanley Ramirez, SS
Miguel Rojas, IF
Justin Turner, IF
Juan Uribe, 3B
Scott Van Slyke, OF/1B