Giants pitcher Barry Zito: not in the playoffs but still valued

The San Francisco Giants threw $126 million at Barry Zito to be the face of their franchise. Barry Bonds was on his way out, so Zito would be the star to lead the Giants back to the promised postseason land.

As the Giants open their first playoff series in seven years, Zito is not even on the roster. He has completed four seasons in San Francisco, all undistinguished, and the decision to leave him off the playoff roster suggests the signing has been regrettable, at best.

“We’re not regretting it,” Giants President Larry Baer said before Game 1 of the National League division series against the Atlanta Braves on Thursday. “I don’t think we would have been here without Barry.”

Zito has posted a losing record in each of his four years with the Giants, with an earned-run average ranging from 4.03 to 5.15. But he has pitched at least 180 innings every year, supporting the development of the young arms — Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez and Madison Bumgarner — that have displaced him from the playoff rotation.

Zito held his own earlier this season. He went 7-4 with a 3.76 ERA before the All-Star break, then 2-10 with a 4.70 ERA afterward.

In his final 12 games, he went 1-8 with a 6.14 ERA. The Giants started him last Saturday, when they would have clinched the NL West with a victory; he walked home two runs and lasted three innings.

Five days later, the playoffs started without him. Manager Bruce Bochy said that the first thing Zito did after being told he would not be on the playoff roster was to throw a bullpen session, so he could stay sharp if the Giants should need him, in the next round or in case of injury.

“He hasn’t blamed anybody,” Baer said. “He hasn’t offered sour grapes about anything. People respect that.”

Etc.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Randy Winn has played 1,717 games without a postseason appearance, the most among active players. Next on the list, pending the start of Thursday’s game: San Francisco first baseman Aubrey Huff, at 1,479 games.

“I know that,” Huff said. “My friends always text me: loser.”

bill.shaikin@latimes.com