Dodgers Activate Long Lost Lefty Scott Elbert, Designate Red Patterson

This comes as somewhat as a surprise but the Dodgers have purchased the contract of long lost left handed reliever Scott Elbert. He’ll be in uniform and ready to pitch in San Francisco against the Giants tonight. In order to clear room on the 40-man roster, pitcher Red Patterson has been designated for assignment.

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Elbert has not pitched in the majors since the 2012 season. He’s had a myriad of injuries, and elbow/arm surgeries. I had thought that we may never see him again. The Dodgers have been in need of a second left hander in the bullpen to compliment J.P. Howell. Left hander Paco Rodriguez is still not ready to pitch after suffering a teres major muscle strain that has sidelined him since early August. Paco could be activated sometime next week after throwing a simulated game today at At&t Park.

Until then, Elbert could provide the Dodgers with some valuable lefty goodness. Elbert last pitched for the Dodgers on August 26, 2012. He’s only pitched minor league rehab assignments after going through two arthroscopic surgeries on his left elbow. Elbert was designated for assignment back on July 29, which removed him from the 40-man roster. He then cleared waivers and was out righted to triple-A Albuquerque.

Elbert pitched in 18 games for the Isotopes and posted a 4.91 ERA in 14.2 innings pitched. The 29-year old has a MLB career 3.61 ERA with 92 whiffs in 92.1 innings pitched. He has a career 9.0 whiff per nine rate and 3.6 walks per nine rate in 120 MLB games.

Elbert was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the 1st round (17th pick) of the 2004 amateur draft. He has pitched with the Dodgers since 2008.