DENVER -- The Los Angeles Dodgers, who have let it be known all week they planned to go back to a 12-man pitching staff before Friday night's game at Colorado, have recalled left-hander Scott Elbert from Triple-A Albuquerque.
Elbert was officially added to the roster after batting practice when seldom-used utility infielder Nick Green was designated for assignment in a corresponding move. He had to be designated because he doesn't have minor league options.
Green has appeared in five games and has one hit in eight at-bats.
Elbert, the Dodgers' first-round draft pick in 2004, had a 5.40 ERA in eight starts at Albuquerque, but he was serviceable in his past three, giving up only four earned runs in 16 1/3 innings, although he did walk 11 in those games.
With rookie Carlos Monasterios getting the start against the Rockies on Friday night in the constantly changing fifth spot in the Dodgers' rotation, Elbert was slated to work out of the bullpen. The Dodgers appear to have decided that Charlie Haeger will rejoin the rotation as the fifth starter the next time that spot comes up on Wednesday against Arizona at Dodger Stadium, at least for a time.
Right-hander Vicente Padilla, who has been on the 15-day disabled list since April 25 because of a nerve problem at the top of his right forearm, is expected to begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment soon and could rejoin the Dodgers by the middle of next month. When he does, the club should finally have a set rotation with Padilla, Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley, rookie John Ely and Hiroki Kuroda.
Tony Jackson covers the Dodgers for ESPNLosAngeles.com.