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MIA@TB: Guillen discusses Zambrano's rough start

Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen has high expectations for his rotation.

On Monday in the series opener against the Cardinals, Ricky Nolasco lived up to those high hopes with 6 2/3 sharp innings before the Marlins' bullpen blew the lead he left the team with upon exiting. On Tuesday, Carlos Zambrano will look to give Miami a strong outing as the Marlins host St. Louis one day after using six relievers in a 10-inning game won by the Cardinals, 8-7.

"I expect every guy we send to the mound to give us a good six or seven innings, because I think in that department we are pretty strong," Guillen said.

"This should be a competition from those five guys to see who can pitch better. It's not about, 'It's my turn, so let's see what I've got.' How about be better than the other guy? Keep it clean and friendly, but want to be better tomorrow."

For Zambrano to one-up Nolasco, he'll need to revert back to how he was pitching earlier this season. The righty lasted six or seven innings in 10 of his first 11 starts of the season, but his last three outings have been a struggle.

The veteran went only 4 1/3 innings in a pair of starts against the Rays, and he struggled with his command in his most recent start on Thursday against the Red Sox. Zambrano lasted five innings and gave up three runs while walking four in a no-decision.

While Zambrano's June has been far from perfect, his opposition on Tuesday, Kyle Lohse, has been dealing lately.

Lohse has posted a 1.63 ERA in four June outings, and if his 4-1 record and 2.83 ERA in nine road starts this season mean anything, then he should be able to continue that success.

In his last start, Lohse gave up only one run in seven innings against the Tigers. He took a no-hitter into the seventh inning against the Marlins on Opening Night, eventually picking up the win in a 7 2/3-inning, one-run effort.

Cardinals: Carpenter's BP throwing session shelved
Chris Carpenter was supposed to throw a live batting-practice session Monday afternoon, but that plan was put on hold after the starter's shoulder felt weak.

The righty threw a BP session on Friday in Kansas City, and manager Mike Matheny said Carpenter didn't feel strong afterward, so the team is waiting until it is back home to re-evaluate.

"There is no big rush," Matheny said. "We've been doing that from Day 1 -- seeing how it feels each time before jumping right into another live session. Take a little more time and get back home."

Marlins: Bonifacio update forthcoming
An update about when Emilio Bonifacio can play again is expected in the near future, as the speedy center fielder is scheduled to meet with the team doctor Tuesday.

Bonifacio, who has been on the disabled list since May 20, has done a lot of running and throwing, but no catching yet. The 27-year-old is recovering from a left thumb sprain.

He took dry swings from both sides of the plate and felt no pain. Bonifiacio is hopeful that he can hit off a tee after he meets with the doctor.

Worth Noting
• Lohse is 3-2 with a 4.99 ERA and 24 strikeouts in his career against the Marlins.

• Zambrano has only lasted 9 1/3 innings in his last three starts, going 0-2 with a 13.50 ERA.

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