Vogelsong to start vs. Dodgers in Peavy's spot

SAN FRANCISCO -- Giants right-hander Ryan Vogelsong, who has endured a rocky beginning to the season, will receive a chance to improve his fortunes when he starts Thursday's series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

To no great surprise, manager Bruce Bochy named Vogelsong to replace injured Jake Peavy (back) in the rotation Wednesday. Not only is Vogelsong filling the spot-starter's role envisioned for him when he re-signed with the Giants in January, but Bochy also indicated that he prefers to keep Yusmeiro Petit, another candidate to receive the start, available for long and middle relief.

Starting the season's second game when back discomfort forced Peavy to be scratched, Vogelsong lasted 4 2/3 innings and yielded all of Arizona's runs in a 7-6 Giants defeat. He yielded seven runs (five earned) in 5 2/3 innings spanning two relief appearances since then, leaving his ERA at 10.45.

Vogelsong's fortunes have fluctuated against the Dodgers at AT&T Park. In 2001-02, he faced them in four starts and went 2-2 with a 1.30 ERA. In three home starts spanning 2003-04, however, Vogelsong posted an 0-1 mark with a 6.48 ERA against Los Angeles.

• Bochy said first baseman/outfielder Travis Ishikawa "tweaked" his strained lower back and will not accompany the Giants on their upcoming trip to Colorado and Los Angeles. Ishikawa, who injured his back late in Spring Training, will resume his Minor League injury rehabilitation assignment when he's able.

• Tim Lincecum's 2.00 ERA is his lowest through his first three starts of the season since 2011, when his ERA at the same juncture was 1.86. That happened to be the last year, and fourth overall, when Lincecum was selected a National League All-Star.