Barry Zito not on Giants playoff roster

The San Francisco Giants begin its best-of-five National League Division Series against the wild-card Atlanta Braves without left-hander Barry Zito, according to The Associated Press.

Zito (9-14) was left off the team's playoff roster. He last lost to the San Diego Padres on Saturday when San Francisco had a chance to clinch the division title. He was taken out of the game after a season-low three innings and gave up consecutive bases-loaded walks in the first.

Giants Manager Bruce Bochy is going with ace Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, and Jonathan Sanchez for the first three games of the series. As of Wednesday, Bochy told Zito he will not start, but Zito said he didn't know if he would be in the bullpen.

This season, Zito failed to reach 10 wins for the first time since his rookie season in 2000. He was the losing pitcher in eight of his final 11 starts, and only had one victory in his last 15 appearances.

                                                                                               Photo by ewen and donabel CC