Colon out, so Moseley back on playoff roster

BOSTON -- Reliever Dustin Moseley stepped off an emotional roller coaster and on to the Angels’ playoff roster Tuesday.

The right-hander arrived at Fenway Park knowing there was a chance he would not be activated for the American League division series against the Red Sox, even though he spent the entire season in the big leagues, going 4-3 with a 4.40 earned-run average in 46 games.

“I’ve come to a point in my life where I’ve grown to accept things that are out of my control,” Moseley said before the workout. “God will take care of it one way or another.”

A few moments later, Manager Mike Scioscia informed Moseley he would not be on the playoff roster. The team had decided to keep starters Ervin Santana and Bartolo Colon in the bullpen, leaving Moseley and Chris Bootcheck, another year-long contributor, off the team.

Dejected but understanding, Moseley went through the workout, returning a few hours later to see Scioscia pop out of the trainers room and make a beeline for General Manager Bill Stoneman.

Colon, who threw a perfect inning of relief Saturday in Oakland but has battled shoulder, elbow and lower-back injuries all season, felt a pinch in his elbow while throwing Tuesday and would not be able to play.

Colon was off the roster. Moseley was back on.

“I’m glad I answered all those earlier questions the right way,” Moseley said after getting his reprieve. “I was trying to stay upbeat. It’s crazy, man. First, you’re not on the team, then you’re on it. It’s a blessing.”

There was no happy ending for Bootcheck, the right-hander who went 3-3 with a 4.77 ERA in 51 games but struggled in late September after returning home to Arizona for several days for the birth of his daughter.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed,” Bootcheck said. “To be on this ride all year and to not be part of the postseason is hard. I know my last few outings weren’t great, but you don’t pin anything on one series, one game, one at-bat.

“I had a lot going on the last two weeks, but their minds are made up, they made the decision they feel is best for the team, and I’m not part of it. All I can do is wish the best for the club and stay sharp mentally and physically in case something happens.”

Center fielder Gary Matthews Jr. is out because of a knee injury, so utility infielder Erick Aybar was added to the playoff roster. With Mike Napoli scheduled to catch John Lackey in Game 1, the Angels’ playoff bench will be catcher Jeff Mathis, outfielders Juan Rivera and Nathan Haynes, first baseman Kendry Morales, corner infielder Robb Quinlan and Aybar.

Starters Lackey, Kelvim Escobar and Jered Weaver head up a 10-man pitching staff that includes left-hander Joe Saunders, Santana, Moseley, Darren Oliver, Scot Shields, Justin Speier and Francisco Rodriguez.

Left fielder Garret Anderson’s right eyelid was still swollen, but he said the conjunctivitis he has being treated for does not affect his vision, and he expects to play today. . . . Vladimir Guerrero (inflamed right triceps) will start at designated hitter tonight, but Scioscia says he thinks the slugger, who has been throwing for more than a week, will be able to return to right field at some point in the series.

mike.digiovanna@latimes.com