Friday, it was two different players: shortstop Ryan Theriot and infielder/outfielder Mark DeRosa.
Theriot has vastly outperformed his 2007 season to date, but he may have been a bit tired in Thursday's series finale at Milwaukee. Theriot suffered a big September slump last year, in his first full season in the major leagues, and Piniella talked of resting him more this year. Theriot struck out as a pinch hitter Friday.
If any player gets taken for granted, it's probably DeRosa, largely because of his versatility. He can play three infield positions and both outfield corners. When another player needs a rest, DeRosa often fills his slot.
But DeRosa needs a breather now and then, and Piniella chose Friday. DeRosa was 4-for-15 at Milwaukee, and for July, he was 17-for-87 (.195). He walked as a pinch hitter Friday.
NOTES, QUOTES
--LF Alfonso Soriano extended his hitting streak to six games. He's 11-for-25 during the streak.
--2B Mike Fontenot saw his hitting streak hit seven games. He's 7-for-18 during the streak. He's hit safely in 14 of his last 18 games.
--RHP Jon Lieber, who has been on the DL since July 18 with a strained right foot, threw on the side at Wrigley Field. The Cubs originally had planned to have Lieber pitch for their Class A Peoria club, but they changed plans. There is no timetable for Lieber's return, as the Cubs have a crowded bullpen.
--After going 0-for-10 in the final two games at Milwaukee, 1B Derrek Lee was 0-for-3 with a walk against the Pirates in the series opener. Lee also left two runners on base. Lee's batting average has dropped from .306 at the All-Star break to .290.
--LHP Ted Lilly, who starts Saturday, is coming off three straight quality starts. However, he has an 8.38 ERA against the Pirates this season, giving up nine earned runs in 9 2/3 innings.
--RHP Carlos Marmol struck out three in the ninth inning. He has not allowed a run in six outings (seven innings) since the All-Star break.