Dodgers add left-hander Scott Elbert for San Francisco series. Update.

Scott Elbert

Scott Elbert (left) and A.J. Ellis (right) were drafted by the Dodgers in 2004 and 2003, respectively. (Getty Images)

SAN FRANCISCO >> Scott Elbert rejoined the Dodgers here Friday, two years and 17 days after throwing his last major-league pitch. Elbert joins J.P. Howell as the only left-handers in the Dodgers’ bullpen.

Elbert began the 2014 season on the 60-day disabled list following Tommy John surgery in June 2013. He was further set back by appendicitis earlier this year.

The Dodgers opted to designate Elbert for assignment in June once his rehab at Triple-A Albuquerque was complete. Elbert went unclaimed and remained in Albuquerque. In 18 games with the Isotopes, he allowed 17 hits and eight earned runs in 14 ⅔ innings, a 4.91 earned-run average.

Elbert will wear number number 57, the same number he’s worn since making his major-league debut with the Dodgers in 2008.

To make room for Elbert on the active roster, the Dodgers designated pitcher Red Patterson for assignment.

Whether or not Elbert has an impact on the Dodgers’ playoff contention, just being back on a major-league roster means plenty to the 29-year-old pitcher.

“I’m not going to lie. It’s been a grind,” he said. “It’s been a long road. Just having an opportunity, them giving me an opportunity, it’s been a blessing to me. They’ve been patient with me. They gave me opportunities. I’m excited. It’s like my first time getting called up again.”

Being designated for assignment, Elbert said, “was a blessing in disguise that I didn’t feel like I had to rush back by a certain point.”

“I knew if I could get back to myself I’ll get an opportunity sometime,” he said, “whether it would be with the Dodgers — and I’m happy as heck to be right here, I love the Dodgers — but I knew eventually I’d get an opportunity somewhere if I just stayed within myself.”

Elbert said his fastball velocity, which topped out at 96 in his prime in 2009, has been clocked in the 90-91 range. That’s not too much slower than his 92-mph average.

Not surprisingly, he hasn’t had to adjust his repertoire much.

“I’m confident with fastball-slider,” Elbert said. “I still like to throw my slider, but I like to throw my fastball too. I like to go probably more in on guys now. That’s been kind of a success point: Splitting the plate in half instead of being one-side dominant, whatever the case may be. I just say competitive, stay hungry in the zone.

“You’ve got to worry about more location rather than middle of the zone. Middle of the zone is tough to pitch regardless of how hard you throw. But I’ve learned that with less velocity, locate it down and away or down and in, instead of ramping up and saying ‘here it is.’ ”

 

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About J.P. Hoornstra

J.P. Hoornstra covers the Dodgers, Angels and Major League Baseball for the Orange County Register, Los Angeles Daily News, Long Beach Press-Telegram, Torrance Daily Breeze, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Pasadena Star-News, San Bernardino Sun, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Whittier Daily News and Redlands Daily Facts. Before taking the beat in 2012, J.P. covered the NHL for four years. UCLA gave him a degree once upon a time; when he graduated on schedule, he missed getting Arnold Schwarzenegger's autograph on his diploma by five months.