Ok, so Jeff Suppan couldn't beat Adam Wainwright twice in a row. We probably should have seen that coming. Today, though, the Brewers have a chance to take two of three from the Cardinals (five of six on the season), and take back sole posession of first place headed into tomorrow's off day.
To do it, they'll have to beat Todd Wellemeyer, who is 4-4 with a 5.19 ERA in 2009. He was wild in his last meeting with the Brewers, walking seven in 5.2 innings of work. All told, he's walked 13 batters in his last 16 innings, but did shut the Royals out for six innings on Friday. He's picked up the decision in each of his last six starts, going 3-3.
Manny Parra will take the mound for the Brewers. He's 3-5 with a 5.79 ERA in 2009, and had his worst outing of the year on Friday, allowing nine runs (eight earned) in just 3.1 innings against the Twins. Prior to that, though, he beat Wellemeyer on May 17, and had won his last three starts.
J.J. Hardy returns to the lineup today, and so does Ryan Braun, less than 24 hours after from being removed from last night's game after being hit on the wrist. With Hardy back, Casey McGehee takes a seat today and Craig Counsell moves to second for his seventh consecutive start. Corey Hart is also getting a day off in right:
Craig Counsell 2B
J.J Hardy SS
Ryan Braun, LF
Prince Fielder, 1B
Mike Cameron CF
Frank Catalanotto RF
Mat Gamel 3B
Jason Kendall C
Manny Parra LHP
(h/t Adam McCalvy)
The bullpen took a bit of a beating last night, but everyone (with the possible exception of Seth McClung) should be available today with the off day tomorrow:
Seth McClung pitched 2.1 innings yesterday.
Mark DiFelice pitched one inning yesterday.
Jorge Julio pitched one inning yesterday.
Todd Coffey pitched .2 innings yesterday.
Mitch Stetter faced three batters yesterday.
Carlos Villanueva has not pitched since Monday.
Trevor Hoffman has not pitched since Monday.
Wednesday's Game Thread is now open.