Matheny again rests Adams vs. lefty starter

CINCINNATI -- For the second time in three days, manager Mike Matheny sat first baseman Matt Adams against a lefty and worked outfielder Shane Robinson into the lineup in Adams' place.

Matheny described Saturday's lineup decision as not so much a reflection of Adams' overall troubles versus southpaws this season, but rather about the difficulties of the particular matchup against Reds lefty Tony Cingrani. Matheny also expressed a desire to give Robinson another starting opportunity following Robinson's three-hit game on Thursday.

"That was part of Matt's goals, I know he wanted to have us and himself know that he can go up against any lefty," Matheny said. "Once again, I think he has proven that, and over time, he'll even see better results. … Every once and a while, you have the tough lefty that he doesn't necessarily have good numbers against -- you could say that's the case tonight."

Adams was 0-for-6 against Cingrani with a walk and four strikeouts. His season numbers against lefties aren't all that impressive either, as Adams has totaled five hits and 12 strikeouts in 38 at-bats. His only extra-base hits are doubles, and Adams has driven in just one run when facing a lefty pitcher.

The Cardinals had been consistent in keeping Adams a part of the lineup regardless of the starting pitcher until this recent stretch. Part of their evaluation about Adams' long-term viability as a starter was to see how he could produce against left-handed pitching.