Barton gets first MLB start; Pineiro with team

Barton gets first MLB start; Pineiro with team
By Rick Hummel
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
04/04/2008

Rookie Brian Barton, drafted by the Cardinals from the Cleveland organization last winter, will get his first big-league start tonight against the Washington Nationals and lefthanded pitcher Odalis Perez in the first of a three-game series at Busch Stadium. Barton, a speedy outfielder albeit one with a weak arm, has an infield single to show for two previous at-bats in the Colorado series.

The righthanded-hitting Barton, 25, will replace lefthanded-hitting Skip Schumaker at the top of the order and in left field. Schumaker had three walks but no hits in 11 official at-bats for the first three games. He also didn’t have a hit in the game that was rained out in the third inning.

"I think he was fine the first three games," said manager Tony La Russa. "I thought (on Thursday) he started trying to force it a little. I’ve seen this happen to guys who have played 10 years. It’s human nature.

"If he keeps doing the right thing, the hits will come."’

Regular left fielder Chris Duncan was again out with a hamstring strain. "He hasn’t been cleared yet," said La Russa.

The Cardinals will enter Friday’s game, with their starters having given up only one run in 16 2/3 innings. And there may be help on the way.

Righthander Joel Pineiro, who pitched in an extended spring training game, has joined the team. Pineiro, who has had some shoulder inflammation that landed him on the disabled list, will be examined and then several days from now is likely to pitch a minor-league game on a medical rehabilitation option. He could join the Cardinals’ rotation well before the end of the month.

FRIDAY'S LINEUPS

Cardinals
Brian Barton lf
Rick Ankiel cf
Albert Pujols 1b
Troy Glaus 3b
Ryan Ludwick rf
Yadier Molina c
Cesar Izturis ss
Braden Looper p (NR, First start of 2008)
Aaron Miles 2b

Washington
Cristian Guzman ss
Lastings Milledge cf
Ryan Zimmerman 3b
Nick Johnson 1b
Austin Kearns rf
Paul Lo Duca c
Ronnie Belliard 2b
Felipe Lopez lf
Odalis Perez p (0-0, 1.80 ERA)