Matt Lindstrom made his first appearance on the mound since his back slippage problem .

Right-hander Matt Lindstrom had been ready and able to pitch to for several days, but he didn't get his first opportunity to test his back in a game until Thursday. Lindstrom hit 99 mph in striking out J.J. Hardy, but he also walked a batter and gave up a pair of hits in allowing an eighth-inning run. The appearance was his first since April 30, when he left after one-third of an inning with back soreness.

"You can't really simulate games out in the bullpen," said Lindstrom, who threw three side sessions between outings. "Everything's good. I can throw 100 percent with my back. I'm not favoring it at all."

Matt looked a little rusty last night, which is to be expected after his time off.  The only thing he had going for him was a very straight fast ball and his breaking ball was nonfunctional.

Fredi picked a good time to send him out to the mound, unfortunately, Lindstrom wasn't up to the task and it required the bullpen to get a little extra work.  Assuming he is healthy, and he claims he is, it shouldn't take too many more outings to get him up to speed.