Expect some changes in the Giants' lineup when they conclude their two-game series Thursday against the St. Louis Cardinals.

That's not because manager Bruce Bochy is displeased with his regulars. It's a day game following a night game, so Bochy will do what he can to rest his veterans.

Barry Bonds probably won't start against right-hander Kip Wells, who yielded the left fielder's 600th home run on Aug. 9, 2002, as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Matinees following night games typically mean a day off for Bonds, who played all 12 innings Wednesday night. So did catcher Bengie Molina, who'll almost surely be replaced by Eliezer Alfonzo. But Rich Aurilia might be back in the lineup somewhere, since he's hitting .455 (10-for-22) off Wells.

Mark Sweeney, 4-for-5 off Wells in his career, might be due for his first start of the season. Based on past performance, Sweeney would be a better choice than Ryan Klesko, who's 3-for-16 against Wells.

Pitching matchup
SF: LHP Noah Lowry (0-2, 2.77)
Lowry easily could be 2-0, although he needed to be perfect against San Diego's Greg Maddux in his last outing. Instead, Lowry was merely adequate, allowing four runs (three earned) and five hits in six-plus innings in a 4-0 Giants loss on April 11. Lowry admitted afterward that he lacked command of his fastball, which he needs to offset his changeup.

STL: RHP Kip Wells (1-2, 2.25)
Wells ranks among the National League leaders in ERA (2.25), strikeouts (18) and opponents' batting averaage (.164). As a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates for the previous five seasons, Wells performed capably against the Giants, fashioning a 3-2 record with a 2.87 ERA in five starts against them.

Player to watch
Assuming Dave Roberts is feeling up to it -- he's recovering from food poisoning -- look for him to try to make something happen from the leadoff spot. Roberts is batting .357 (5-for-14) in his last four games.

On the Internet
 MLB.TV
 Gameday Audio
•  Gameday
•  Official game notes

On television
• KTVU

On radio
• KNBR 680, KLOK 1170 (Español)

Up next
• Friday: Giants (Russ Ortiz, 1-1, 5.27) vs. Diamondbacks (Doug Davis, 1-1, 3.38), 7:15 p.m. PT
• Saturday: Giants (Barry Zito, 1-2, 5.29) vs. Diamondbacks (Edgar Gonzalez, 1-1, 5.40), 1:05 p.m. PT
• Sunday: Giants (Matt Cain, 0-1, 1.80) vs. Diamondbacks (Micah Owings, 1-1, 2.93), 1:05 p.m. PT