Lincecum scratched, Zito to start
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Lincecum scratched, Zito to start
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
Forget all of the hubbub about a matchup against Tim Lincecum: The Giants ace has been scratched from tonight's start with flu-like symptoms, Bruce Bochy just announced.
That means Barry Zito is starting a day early for San Francisco.
Lincecum apparently came to the ballpark with the illness and told Bochy he could not start.
Zito, the $126-million man who was left off the Giants' postseason roster, has a 4.78 ERA in only seven starts this season. He's walked 16 and struck out 20. Zito has made four starts since returning from the disabled list.
He's a lefty and Lincecum is a righty, so Charlie Manuel has made a lineup change: Domonic Brown is out and John Mayberry Jr. is in right field, batting seventh. The new lineup:
1. Jimmy Rollins 6
2. Michael Martinez 5
3. Chase Utley 4
4. Ryan Howard 3
5. Shane Victorino 8
6. Raul Ibanez 7
7. John Mayberry Jr. 9
8. Brian Schneider 2
9. Vance Worley 1
Here are the Phillies' career numbers against Zito:
| PA | AB | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raul Ibanez | 50 | 49 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 0 | 8 | .184 | .180 | .327 | .507 |
| Jimmy Rollins | 16 | 16 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | .375 | .375 | .563 | .938 |
| Chase Utley | 12 | 11 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | .364 | .364 | .545 | .909 |
| Wilson Valdez | 10 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | .300 | .300 | .600 | .900 |
| Brian Schneider | 7 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | .250 | .571 | 1.000 | 1.571 |
| Shane Victorino | 7 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | .333 | .429 | .500 | .929 |
| Ben Francisco | 6 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | .167 | .167 | .167 | .333 |
| Ryan Howard | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | .000 | .167 | .000 | .167 |
| Carlos Ruiz | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | .333 | .500 | .333 | .833 |
| Total | 120 | 112 | 27 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 19 | 6 | 19 | .241 | .277 | .411 | .688 |
Have a question? Send it to Matt Gelb's Mailbag.
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I am beginning to wonder when the middle infielders are going to get a day off? I know not against the defending WS champs, but Utley WAS out with a bad knee and Rollins WAS hurt last year. Just sayin'— Clem- Hey Clem, where have u been Utley missed the 1st 3 months of the season! Rollins is fine...Get a clue ! — plaurie
- I was wondering why Chollie didn't put Chooch in until I saw Schneider's career numbers against Zito.— phillyl0
- RUBEN AMARO DOES IT AGAIN!!!! Lincecum now in trade with Phillies for Worley and a bag of balls. He's scratched tonite because he's going to be a Philly tomorrow!!— mebigfatguy
- Looking at Howards numbers against Zito, maybe they should start Wilson Valdez at first base...— Cameiros
- Good thing you're not managing the Phils. Another clutch 2 out RBI from the big man! — philliesphan79
- Why didn't Chooch replace Brian Schneider— rickglory
- @philly10...one f...ing hit in 4 at bats...are you as stupid as you seem to be?— JoMomma
- who are you replying to? — rickglory
Comment removed.- Ouch. Someone looks dumb right now... — philliesphan79
- Joe "Nickels" Banner— Ted Mosby
- Darn...I was hoping the Phillies would sweep the Giants with Lincecum pitching. You suck Giants! Suck suck suck!!!!
- chase26TJ, you still seem bitter over the NLCS loss to the Giants, let it go, it's a new season. This series will tell nothing of the playoffs and won't make up for losing last year.— kmon
