Cardinals manager Tony La Russa notified infielder Khalil Greene and reliever Josh Kinney that they would not be among Monday’s traveling party to Los Angeles for the opener of the best-of-five Division Series against the NL West champion Dodgers.

Kinney, a September call-up, was not expected to be part of the postseason mix. However, Greene, the Cardinals’ Opening Day shortstop, was under consideration as a righthanded bat off the bench. His exclusion suggests the Cardinals almost certainly will keep 12 pitchers and 13 position players for at least the postseason’s first round. The arrangement is considered unusual since two off days separate the five games, offering relievers more time to recover.

The Cardinals apparently value the potential worth of an eighth reliever more than Greene, whom La Russa used sparingly upon Greene’s return from a second stay on the disabled list to address social anxiety disorder.

La Russa notified both players of the club’s decision in his office following Sunday’s 10-inning loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.

The team is scheduled to work out this afternoon at Busch Stadium before departing on a charter to Los Angeles.

Kinney is expected to challenge for a roster spot next spring training. Greene is a pending free agent who became the centerpiece of the team’s off-season when acquired from the San Diego Padres for minor-league relievers Luke Gregorson and Mark Worrell. Gregorson evolved into one of the NL’s most effective rookie relievers this season. Greene, who earned $6.5 million this season, finished with a .200 average, six home runs and 24 RBI in 170 at-bats. Brendan Ryan eventually took over the majority of playing time at shortstop.

La Russa would not elaborate on the team’s postseason roster after the game but said of Greene, “We’re all pleased he’s gotten to the point where he feels good mentally and physically.”

Since no Cardinal finished the season unable to perform, the club is bound to its 13 available players, including third baseman Troy Glaus.

Head athletic trainer Barry Weinberg confirmed after the game that no players are considered limited entering the postseason.

The 12-man pitching staff includes the starters assigned to the first three games and John Smoltz and Kyle Lohse, one of whom may start Game 4. Closer Ryan Franklin, lefthanders Dennys Reyes and Trever Miller, and righthanded set-up men Jason Motte and Kyle McClellan are considered locks. Any remaining intrigue involves whether the club will retain rookies Blake Hawksworth and Mitchell Boggs over Brad Thompson and Todd Wellemeyer.

A club source indicated Sunday Hawksworth and Boggs are more in favor. If so, the Cardinals would enter the playoffs with their five righthanded middle or set-up relievers lacking any postseason experience. Three are rookies. Smoltz and Lohse are also available for at least Game One.

Miller has appeared in three postseasons, Reyes one.