The experienced seamer fractured a bone in his hand during a preseason game and has been sidelined for the past month.
He replaces fellow left-armer Neil Wagner, who has joined the Black Caps in Australia as cover for Tim Southee.
The 36-year-old had a support on his right hand while training yesterday but has been given the all clear.
''That [the support] was more precautionary more than anything else,'' Otago coach Nathan King said.
''He may need a bit of strapping or something.''
The Volts have named a 12-man squad which means leg-spinner Rhys Phillips drops out.
He was perhaps unlucky to carry the drinks in New Plymouth, particularly at Yarrow Stadium where the drop-in pitch took turn.
Phillips is still firmly part of King's plans, though.
''I am tempted to give him an opportunity at some stage. We are fortunate enough at the moment to have the likes of Nathan [McCullum] and Anaru [Kitchen], who have done a lot of bowling and are batting in our top five.
''We've also got Josh Finnie in there as well, so I'm pretty comfortable that we have our slow bowling options covered. But I would not rule Rhys out for future games.''
McCullum has been bowling beautifully but Finnie was hit out of the attack after just one over during the four-wicket loss to Central Districts on Saturday and also missed out with the bat.
Kitchen's left-armers are more a work in progress and perhaps considered bonus overs, so there would be room for Phillips or left-armer Nick Beard.
Otago is in third place in the standings with one win from two games. Canterbury has the same record but tops the table courtesy of a superior net run rate.
Otago team
to play Canterbury
Anaru Kitchen, Neil Broom, Michael Bracewell, Brad Wilson, Nathan McCullum (captain), Derek de Boorder, Josh Finnie, Sam Wells, Bradley Scott, Jacob Duffy, Warren Barnes, Michael Rae.
