Loretta, Castro make L.A. cut

GLENDALE — The Los Angeles Dodgers released their 25-man postseason roster on Wednesday morning and both Mark Loretta and Juan Castro were on it.

Castro, a Glendale resident, and Loretta, a St. Francis graduate, are both utility infielders for the club.

According to mlb.com, Loretta edged out Doug Mientkiewicz for the final position player spot.

Neither was in the Game One starting lineup, as the Dodgers (95-67), the National League West Division champions, were set to open the National League Division Series against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals (91-61) Wednesday night at 6:37 p.m.

Game Two takes place today at 3:07 p.m. at Dodger Stadium, while Game Three is scheduled for Saturday at 3:07 p.m. in St. Louis.

Loretta, a 15-year major leaguer with his fifth team, is making his second postseason appearance.

He went four for 15 (.267) with two runs batted in playing for the 2005 San Diego Padres.

On the season, Loretta, a two-time All-Star with the Padres and Boston Red Sox, has played in 107 games, tallying 42 hits, a .232 average, 19 runs and 25 RBIs.

In the field, Loretta, 38, has played first base, second, third and even pitched during a blowout.

Castro, 37, has played second and third base, shortstop and outfield. He hit .277 with 31 hits, 18 runs and nine RBIs in parts of 57 games.

Castro’s one prior postseason appearance came with the 1996 Dodgers and he went one for five with a walk.