SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The San Francisco Giants are sending $126 million to the sidelines. Struggling left-hander Barry Zito has been left off the team’s playoff roster for its best-of-five NL division series against the wild-card Atlanta Braves.
Game 1 is Thursday night.
Manager Bruce Bochy told Zito on Wednesday he will not start, and Zito said he didn’t know if he would be in the bullpen. The team announced the 25-man roster Thursday morning, and Zito wasn’t among the 11 pitchers.
Also left off: right fielder Jose Guillen, who batted .266 with three homers and 15 RBIs in 42 games for San Francisco. The Giants acquired him from Kansas City in August and he made 38 starts in right.
Cody Ross likely will be the starting right fielder. Outfielders Aaron Rowand — second-highest paid behind Zito this year — and Nate Schierholtz made the team.
