San Francisco Giants righthander Tim Lincecum was scratched from his scheduled start against the Phillies on Tuesday night because of flu-like symptoms.
Left Barry Zito made the start in Lincecums place. He opposed righthander Vance Worley.
The Giants are unsure of their starting pitcher for Wednesday nights game. Lincecum will get the start if he feels better. If he doesnt, the Giants will send righthander Matt Cain to the mound against Cole Hamels. If Cain moves up and pitches Wednesday, the Giants could start Ryan Vogelsong on Thursday. Vogelsong pitched at Octorara High School and Kutztown University and lives in Chester County. He leads the National League with a 2.10 ERA.
Lincecum, a two-time NL Cy Young winner, is 8-8 with a 2.90 ERA this season.
Health check
Pitcher Joe Blanton probably wont start another game this season.
Team doctors have determined that Blanton has nerve damage in his right elbow. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Blanton will visit with specialists this week for more tests to determine the extent of the damage.
Amaro said Blanton likely will not return to the starting rotation this season, and if he returns at all it would be in a bullpen role.
MLB
Blanton has been sidelined since mid-May with elbow soreness that first reared its head in spring training. In six games this season, he is 1-2 with a 5.50 ERA.
Roy Oswalt, recovering from a bulging disc in his lower back, will start for triple A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday night. Oswalt will throw about 65 pitches, according to pitching coach Rich Dubee. It is unclear whether Oswalt will make a second start or be activated next week.
Well see how he does and how he feels, Dubee said.
Third baseman Placido Polanco, also recovering from a bulging disc in his back, will play for Lehigh Valley on Thursday. He could be activated early next week.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com