The rotation, as expected, has been the strength of the roster. Except for Randy Johnson's 3 1/3-inning stint 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's groin strain, the reason he prematurely left Wednesday's game, isn't considered serious, and the Giants anticipate he'll be in Friday's lineup. He's 18-for-47 (.383) since April 16. Before that, he hit .179 (5-for-28) in the first eight games.
--SS Edgar Renteria, who had four hits Wednesday, is 15-for-40 (.375) since April 16. In that span, he leads the team with 11 RBIs. He has reached base with a hit or walk in each of those games. "He's picked it up, and that's what you want out of your veterans," manager Bruce Bochy said. "Especially when you're sputtering a little bit. You hope somebody ignites you and keeps the line moving. He's been doing that and getting big hits for us."
--RF Randy Winn, who is hitting .221 with two homers and seven RBIs, missed Wednesday's game after fouling a ball off his knee. He hopes to return to the lineup Friday. One of the switch hitter's problems is hitting from the left side, where he's 3-for-22. He'd have to bat left-handed Friday because the Rockies are throwing RHP Ubaldo Jimenez.
MEDICAL WATCH:
3B Pablo Sandoval (left groin tightness) left the April 29 game. He is probable for the May 1 game.
OF Andres Torres (strained left hamstring) went on the 15-day disabled list April 28.
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 won't be able to pitch before mid-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
RHP Osiris Matos
CATCHERS:
Bengie Molina
Steve Holm
INFIELDERS:
1B Travis Ishikawa
2B Emmanuel Burriss
SS Edgar Renteria
3B Pablo Sandoval
INF Juan Uribe
INF Rich Aurilia
OUTFIELDERS:
LF Fred Lewis
CF Aaron Rowand
RF Randy Winn
OF Nate Schierholtz
OF/INF Eugenio Velez
