Dan

Haren

How Haren fares against the Giants and Padres will help determine Jason Simontacchi’s role and the structure of the Cardinal rotation.

Haren could have a little value in NL-only leagues, but you won’t want him active for his start against the Giants.

Haren would be unavailable the rest of the weekend, so the Cards could go with Al Reyes, Chad Paronto, or Josh Pearce from Triple-A Memphis to help the bullpen. Only Pearce is already on the 40-man roster.

Haren will be followed on the mound by fellow prospect and likely rotation member Joe Blanton. Dan Meyer and Keiichi Yabu are set to go on Friday against Milwaukee, Barry Zito makes his spring debut Saturday, and Rich Harden goes Monday against Arizona. The A’s are setting things up for Zito to start Opening Day.

Haren is 3-0 after three starts, with a 2.50 ERA. He could be helping NL-Only leaguers before too long.

Haren worked ahead and showed an effective split-finger fastball, though Jason Phillips did get to him for a homer. Kiko Calero contributed two scoreless innings behind Haren. Both pitchers should make the club, and could get chances to start at times during the season.

Good decision. Though Carpenter has improved, there’s little reason to push him, and Haren’s not doing much so they might as well give him a start. Then again, if he gets bombed, the Cards would be in danger of falling to an 11 1/2 game lead in the division. Haren will be held to 80 pitches or 5-6 innings against the Braves.

Haren is on alert in case Morris’ right shoulder pain flares today. If Morris is okay, Simontacchi appears headed to the bullpen.

Haren gave up four hits, walked two and struck out six. The A’s have won 14 straight games started by Haren. He’s 10-7 overall.

Michael Cuddyer singled in Lew Ford in the fifth for the only run of the game. It was the third complete game for Haren. The A’s had won his last 14 starts since he lost to the Devil Rays on May 26.