The Volts' options have been greatly reduced, with five senior players away on national duty and James McMillan and Greg Todd both under an injury cloud.
South Africa-born strike bowler Neil Wagner is battling illness and James Fuller is struggling with a knee injury.
All four could be added to the squad if they pass a fitness test.
The two warm-up matches will be played at the University Oval No 2 ground from November 2-5.
Craig Cumming will captain the squad, which includes experienced medium pacer Warren McSkimming.
North East Valley seamer Simon Badger missed Otago's trial in Alexandra over Labour Weekend but has been included in the squad to bolster the bowling stocks.
"At the moment, we've got a lack of fit seam bowlers and it is a matter of us making sure we have a look at all of them," Otago coach Mike Hesson said.
The batting looks thin as well with so many first-choice players unavailable or injured.
Michael Bracewell and Darren Broom will compete with the likes of Shaun Haig, Leighton Morgan and Hamish Rutherford for places when Otago names its side for its opening four-day match against Northern Districts next month.
Bracewell and Haig can both take the gloves and are likely to get some time in behind the stumps during the warm-up matches.
