Dodgers lean left to add Scott Elbert; Paco Rodriguez could be next

The Dodgers have gone most of the year with only one left-hander, J.P. Howell, in the bullpen.

Now with 16 games left in the regular season, he’s getting company.

The Dodgers brought up left-hander Scott Elbert on Friday before their game in San Francisco, and then were encouraged by a simulated game thrown by left-hander Paco Rodriguez.

Rodriguez could join Elbert on the roster by Sunday.

Elbert hasn’t pitched for the Dodgers in two years. Coming off three elbow surgeries -- two arthroscopic and the last reconstructive -- Elbert was designated for assignment by the Dodgers on July 29, removing him from the 40-man roster. He went unclaimed and was outrighted to triple-A Albuquerque.

To place him back on the roster, the Dodgers designated right-hander Red Patterson for assignment. Patterson, 27, made his debut in his only appearance for the Dodgers this season when he started the second game of the May 1 doubleheader in Minnesota. He gave up one run and two hits in 4 2/3 innings.

Elbert struggled during his rehab, going 5-8 with a 5.79 earned-run average in 29 games (20 starts) for triple-A Albuquerque, Class-A Rancho Cucamonga and rookie-advanced Ogden this season.

If he gets into any games of significance with the Dodgers, it figures to be as a left-handed specialist.

But with Rodriguez feeling good Friday following his simulated game, he could return this weekend and move ahead of Elbert. Rodriguez has been fighting a back strain, the same injury that sent Clayton Kershaw to the disabled list in April.

Rodriguez appeared in 76 games for the Dodgers last season and was close to brilliant (2.32 ERA) until appearing to wear down in September.