Glaus gets a break; Springer throws to hitters

Two bits of news this morning from the ballpark, where it's cloudy, windy and chilly.

Troy Glaus gets a needed day off, replaced at third base by Rico Washington. It's been a real struggle for Glaus, who's batting just .220 with a .329 on-base percentage and a .305 slugging percentage. Glaus has handled himself well at third base, but he's got to begin producing soon, and I think he will. Tony La Russa doesn't believe the veteran is a victim of self-imposed pressure, yet one has to wonder. Glaus cares a lot. TLR pointed out that Glaus has changed teams twice since he left Anaheim. But going to Arizona and Toronto can't be the same as going to St. Louis, whose tradition in baseball is about as rich as any organization.

It will be interesting to see how Washington handles himself against Tim Lincecum. Washington was the 25th man on the roster and he has labored, going 2-for-14 (.143) with six strikeouts. Still, a start will be good for him.

Reliever Russ Springer threw to hitters and appeared recovered from the inflamed ulnar nerve in his right elbow. He probably will come off the disabled list Monday in Milwaukee. If TLR sticks with a 12-man pitching staff, something I believe he'll do, Brad Thompson and Anthony Reyes are candidates to be sent to Class AAA Memphis. My instincts tell me it will be Thompson.

Stay tuned.

Here's the Cardinals lineup for the afternoon tussle with the Giants:

Skip Schumaker RF
Chris Duncan LF
Albert Pujols 1B
Rick Ankiel CF
Adam Kennedy 2B
Yadier Molina C
Rico Washington 3B
Joel Pineiro P
Cesar Izturis SS

And now, introducing the Giants:
Fred Lewis LF
Jose Castillo 3B
Randy Winn RF
Ray Durham 2B
Aaron Rowand CF
Rich Aurilia 1B
Steve Holm C
Brian Bocock SS
Tim Lincecum P