--INF/OF Willie Bloomquist started at shortstop Wednesday, his fourth consecutive start and fifth in six games. Bloomquist also has started in center field and at second base during this stretch. "We need to keep his energy in the game," manager Jim Riggleman said. "He adds something to the lineup every time he's out there."
--SS Yuniesky Betancourt got the day off Wednesday, just the third time this season he hasn't appeared in a game for the club. "It's just a day off," manager Jim Riggleman said. "Yuni's back in the lineup Friday." --LHP Erik Bedard will have a bullpen session Friday in San Diego to test out his back. He came down with back spasms in his last start Friday in Atlanta, coming out of the game after three innings. If he doesn't have any setbacks, he's due to start Sunday against the Padres.
--RHP Miguel Batista has never had control trouble as he has this year. His walk rate is off the charts -- on pace to give up 118 after never having more than 96 in a season. He said he's had some back problems that allow him to "throw but not pitch," making his location off course.
BY THE NUMBERS: 9 -- Times RF Ichiro Suzuki had led off a game in June with a hit, in a total of 19 games through June 22.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "We just need to put clean games back-to-back-to-back." -- Manager Jim Riggleman.
