"Manager Bruce Bochy said Monday he will maintain a five-man rotation again, despite another Thursday off day, which means Matt Cain will not get a chance for that elusive first career win against the Dodgers this weekend.

Fans want to see Tim Lincecum and Cain both face the Dodgers. Bochy takes a longer-term view, wanting to keep his young starters fresh for an entire season.

"It's a grind of a season," Bochy said. "Even early if you give them some rest they'll be better off. ... It's vital for our club and our success to keep our staff strong in August and September. That will pay huge dividends."

Bochy did say he might have used a starter Sunday had he run through his bullpen. Then he would have advanced everyone else in the rotation."