Nomo Off the Roster for Now

Although his decision was expected, Manager Jim Tracy said Tuesday it was nonetheless difficult to exclude Hideo Nomo from the National League division series roster.

“I wanted him here, I’ll tell you that, because I cannot forget contributions players have made over the course of the four years I have been here,” Tracy said. “He is an integral part of that.”

Nomo, who underwent shoulder surgery last October, has not appeared in a game since having been demoted to the bullpen after a disastrous 1 1/3 -inning outing Sept. 17 against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Despite a lengthy in-season rehabilitation program, the right-hander never regained consistent speed on his fastball and went 4-11 with an 8.25 earned-run average in 18 starts.

However, Tracy remembers Nomo’s 32 victories combined in 2002 and 2003, and the mettle he displayed while delivering quality outings despite shoulder pain last season. Tracy said the nine-year veteran did not question the decision when informed Tuesday.

Tracy told Nomo to continue his exercise regime because he might be added to the roster if the Dodgers advance to the NL championship series.

“If it was a healthy Hideo Nomo, who had given us the type of performances that he gave us in ’02 and ‘03, he quite possibly would have been the guy” to start Game 1, Tracy said. “I think our team has gained strength just having Hideo’s presence here among us.”

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There were no other surprises on a roster that included 15 position players and 10 pitchers. Left-hander Kazuhisa Ishii would be added to the roster as the fourth starter if the Dodgers advance.

“In a seven-game series, the fourth may definitely be necessary,” Tracy said.

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When Dodger General Manager Paul DePodesta was asked to join team owners Frank and Jamie McCourt for dinner Saturday night after the division-clinching victory over the San Francisco Giants, DePodesta hesitated because his pants were soaked in champagne and beer from the clubhouse celebration.

DePodesta finally made it to dinner, wearing an extra pair of Frank McCourt’s pants.

DePodesta said he liked the way they fit.

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In this era of specialization, St. Louis reliever Ray King has a distinctly modern aspiration.

“When I walk away from these games, I want to be known as the best situational lefty that ever played,” King said.

King held left-handed batters to a .155 average this season. He pitched one perfect inning Tuesday, retiring left-handed batters Steve Finley and Shawn Green and right-handed batter Adrian Beltre.

Times staff writers Steve Springer and Bill Shaikin contributed to this report.