Lincecum is expected to face Ramirez, a midseason acquisition from Boston last season, for the first time Wednesday.

quot;Yeah, it could be cool,quot; Lincecum said. quot;I don't want to go out there in awe of him. I'm trying to pitch my game and hopefully get him out. It's a new batter, you know? I'll run into him again.quot;

In a scheduling quirk, Lincecum faced the Dodgers only twice last season and didn't pitch when the Giants got swept two weeks ago at Dodger Stadium.

But he's finally getting a handle on this rivalry. At Chavez Ravine, he got an earful from the outfield pavilion while shagging during batting practice.

quot;Yeah, I'm not going to share too much,quot; Lincecum said. quot;I try to stay as far away from the fence as possible. The middle of the outfield is good for me.quot;

Matos called up

With their bullpen worn from Sunday's 12-inning loss at Arizona, the Giants went back to a 12-man staff and recalled right-hander Osiris Matos from Triple-A Fresno. They optioned utilityman Eugenio Velez to Fresno, where he'll split time between second base and the outfield.

Sandoval-Zito again

Giants manager Bruce Bochy abhors the term quot;personal catcher,quot; but that appears to be the setup between Pablo Sandoval and Barry Zito. Bochy said he would've started Sandoval behind the plate regardless Monday, because Bengie Molina needed a rest after catching all 12 innings Sunday. quot;If you're looking to get Bengie a day, it's easier to do it with the same pitcher,quot; Bochy said. quot;It's better for the pitcher's familiarity and for the catcher, too.quot;

Bonds medical update

Former Giants great Barry Bonds made one correction during his ballpark visit Monday, saying he did not have hip surgery. Bonds said he quot;popped his quadquot; and had surgery to repair it. quot;I feel good,quot; said Bonds, bouncing up and down in his loafers. quot;I'm walking and off crutches, and I'm not in a wheelchair right now.quot;

Andrew Baggarly,

MediaNews staff