Cruz available for finale despite bone spurs in elbow

ATLANTA -- Dodgers infielder Luis Cruz said he was available to play Sunday after being unavailable Saturday night because of a bone spur flare-up in his right elbow.

Cruz said he has three spurs in his throwing elbow, and they occasionally pinch a nerve.

"Since I was 11, I can't straighten my arm, and once in a while, this happens, and I just have to let it rest," said Cruz. "My brother has it and my father has it. But it's good today. I took swings, it's fine."

Manager Don Mattingly assured reporters that Cruz's injury had nothing to do with the need to clear a roster spot for the activation of infielder Mark Ellis.

"This is real," Mattingly insisted, moments before the club optioned catcher Tim Federowicz back to Triple-A Albuquerque to make room for Ellis.