Baker gives Rendon day off; Treinen good to go

It has been a slow start for Anthony Rendon, so manager Dusty Baker decided to give his third baseman a day of rest. Rendon has hit just .115 (3-for-26) with no extra base hits, two walks, eight strikeouts and one RBI.

The lineup features Wilmer Difo batting second and playing shortstop. Stephen Drew will be at third base and bat seventh. This will be only Difo's fourth appearance. He has gone 1-for-4 to begin the season.

"I hate to see (Rendon) struggle like this," Baker said. "I don't know if his leg is right 100 percent. That's why no Rendon. Plus, I'm playing (Stephen) Drew at shortstop tomorrow so today give him a break on his legs at third. And give Difo a start also. I think the only one left that needs a start is (Chris) Heisey and Michael (Taylor). I got to get them one here soon."

Baker would not concede that the leg injury was the only reason for the day off, but admitted something is up early with Rendon's hitting. He did let Rendon know that last night's RBI on a groundout to first was a better pace than he had going in April of 2016.

"I mean his timing's off," Baker said. "He's a timings hitter. I told him yesterday when he got that RBI he's already ahead of last year's pace. OK man, he's way ahead. He might end up at 80."

Baker expects Rendon to return the lineup tomorrow, saying "for sure."

The skipper decided to give closer Blake Treinen a day off in last night's opener because of recent heavy use. Baker had said postgame yesterday that Treinen was good to go for today and reconfirmed this at pregame briefing.

"Yes, so far, I think he is," Baker said.

Treinen has recorded three saves but has an 8.10 ERA in four appearances over the course of 3 1/3 innings.