Cody Ross got a rare start in center field Sunday and, even more of a rarity, he was batting from the leadoff slot. Ross, who has made seven starts this season, isn't used to leading off, and said Sunday he couldn't remember the last time he had done so.
''It only matters in that first at-bat,'' he said after Sunday's start, in which he went 1 for 4 against right-hander Greg Maddux. He had an RBI single off Maddux's final pitch of the day. ``It's no different than batting at any other spot in the lineup other than you'll get more chances. It's fun, though. You get in there and start the game.''
Ross plays against lefties almost exclusively, but manager Fredi Gonzalez said he thought Ross might fare better against Maddux because of Maddux's delivery and pitching style. Gonzalez also doesn't want Ross sitting too long -- with Milwaukee coming to town with three right-handed starters, Ross might not see much action.
Ross, who is batting .164, is sharing center-field responsibilities with Alfredo Amezaga, although Amezaga has gotten the brunt of the work.
Although slumping offensively, Ross has made defense a priority and is making great plays in the field.
''I take a lot of pride in my defense,'' he said. '. . . Even if you take an `0-fer,' you can make a difference in a game -- especially playing center field.''
THIS AND THAT
Reliever Matt Lindstrom still hasn't pitched since leaving Wednesday's game because of a sore back, although Gonzalez said he threw in the bullpen Saturday and has been available.
• Gonzalez declined to speak after Sunday's game, saying it was a team win and the media ``should talk to [the players].''
• Shortstop Hanley Ramirez did not reach base Saturday night, ending a a club record of reaching in 47 consecutive home games. Before Saturday, the last time Ramirez didn't reach base at Dolphin Stadium was July 18, 2007. Ramirez was on base four times Sunday, scoring twice.
• Padres shortstop Khalil Greene, a Key West High graduate, left Saturday's game after getting something in his eye. Greene didn't play Sunday.
-- GEORGE RICHARDS
