The rotation, as expected, has been the strength of the roster. Except for Randy Johnson's 3 1/3-inning stint on Saturday, the starters have been exceptional. They've had quality starts in seven of eight games and surrendered six earned runs in 54 innings through Sunday for a 1.00 ERA. The rest of the rotation: Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Barry Zito and Jonathan Sanchez.
PLAYER NEWS: --3B Pablo Sandoval had just one RBI entering Sunday's game. With one swing, he tripled his season total -- a three-run homer in the eighth inning. It was one of his career-high four hits. In his last six games, he's 11-for-24.
--RF Nate Schierholtz got his first start of the season on Sunday and went 1-for-5 but was doubled off second to help thwart a possible rally. In his last four pinch-hit appearances, he had three hits. Schierholtz was the last position player who has been on the roster since the opener to start a game.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Joe Martinez (concussion, hairline fractures in skull) went on the 15-day disabled list April 10. He is unlikely to return before late May.
LHP Noah Lowry (left forearm surgery in March 2008, left elbow surgery in September 2008) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. In mid-April, manager Bruce Bochy said he hoped Lowry would able to return at some point this season.
RHP Sergio Romo (sprained right elbow) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He could return as soon as early May.
ROTATION:
RHP Tim Lincecum
LHP Randy Johnson
RHP Matt Cain
LHP Barry Zito
LHP Jonathan Sanchez
BULLPEN:
RHP Brian Wilson (closer)
RHP Bobby Howry
LHP Jeremy Affeldt
RHP Merkin Valdez
RHP Brandon Medders
RHP Justin Miller
CATCHERS:
Bengie Molina
Steve Holm
INFIELDERS:
1B Travis Ishikawa
2B Emmanuel Burriss
SS Edgar Renteria
3B Pablo Sandoval
INF Juan Uribe
INF Rich Aurilia
INF/OF Eugenio Velez
OUTFIELDERS:
LF Fred Lewis
CF Aaron Rowand
RF Randy Winn
OF Nate Schierholtz
OF Andres Torres
