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MIL@HOU: Greinke, Roenicke ejected in bottom of first

On Saturday, Brewers pitcher Zack Greinke was tossed after throwing just four pitches.

Milwaukee took the option of turning back to its ace for the weekend series finale with Houston on Sunday. He becomes the second pitcher this season to start two consecutive games, after C.J. Wilson pulled the same trick for the Angels on May 11 and 12.

Greinke was tossed after spiking the ball into the ground by first-base umpire Sam Holbrook after he was unable to record an out at first. If Grienke loses, he will become the first to start and lose back-to-back games since White Sox knuckleballer Wilbur Wood lost both games of a doubleheader against the Yankees in 1973.

Greinke is also slated to start the first game after the All-Star break, which would mean he would start three consecutive games.

The bullpen could be a concern for the Brewers, as six pitchers came in after Greinke for Milwaukee, throwing eight innings with five runs -- four earned -- allowed.

Greinke was hoping to pick up his 10th win of the season before being tossed. In his previous start against Miami, the ace threw six innings with four strikeouts and allowed five runs on six hits and two walks.

The Brewers' other option would be to turn to Marco Estrada, who was originally scheduled to pitch. He gave up two runs on four hits with six strikeouts over six innings in his last start, a no-decision against the Marlins.

The Astros also plowed through their bullpen on Saturday, pitching six relievers, and will turn to 21-year-old Jordan Lyles for a strong start on Sunday.

Lyles was roughed up in his last start, pitching just four innings with six strikeouts and seven runs allowed on nine hits.

Brewers: Second-half rotation to be determined
• Milwaukee manager Ron Roenicke has yet to name a rotation once the team comes back from the All-Star break.

One member who likely won't be present is Shaun Marcum, who was placed on the disabled list on June 23 due to elbow tightness. Roenicke said Saturday he doesn't believe Marcum will be ready to go immediately after the break.

Greinke and Yovani Gallardo figure to be near the top of the rotation, while Randy Wolf, Mike Fiers and Estrada are also options.

Astros: Moore making most of his time
• Houston third baseman Scott Moore found himself in the lineup for the sixth straight game Saturday, knocking a homer in the win.

Moore has appeared in eight games for the Astros this season and is hitting .323 with three long balls and four RBIs.

Moore played third base on Saturday and has also seen time in left field, right field and second base.

"It's nice to be part of the team, and it's even better to walk into the clubhouse every day and see your name in the lineup," Moore said.

Worth noting
• Brewers third baseman Aramis Ramirez has five consecutive multi-hit games.

• After pitching 5 1/3 innings on Saturday, Astros pitcher Wandy Rodriguez has thrown at least five innings in 47 consecutive starts.

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