Brewers vs. Cardinals: Jean Segura, Ryan Braun not in lineup

As expected, both Jean Segura and Ryan Braun are out of the lineup for the Brewers in their series opener against the Cardinals. Segura is still dealing with the effects of being whacked in the head by Ryan Braun while Braun is expected to be out 3-5 more days with an intercostal strain.

In their places once again will be Jeff Bianchi at shortstop and Elian Herrera in right field. Those two were also in the lineup Sunday afternoon as the Brewers only picked up three hits while being shut out by the Cubs. In fact, the only difference in the lineup today is Mark Reynolds replacing Lyle Overbay.

Of course, the Brewers don't exactly have a lot of other options to make changes to the lineup. With Segura and Braun out and Reynolds replacing Overbay, the only other changes the Brewers could make is Rickie Weeks in at second base or Martin Maldonado, whose suspension is officially up, at catcher. Neither option would bring much spark back to the lineup.

Fortunately, Yovani Gallardo has been good enough this season that the offense may not need to score many runs. He has made five starts this year, and has allowed five runs. On the season he has a 1.42 ERA and has not yet failed to make a quality start. Gallardo has struck out 23 batters and walked 9 in 31⅔ innings.