Beltran out of lineup for NLCS Game 4

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- St. Louis outfielder Carlos Beltran is not in the starting lineup for Thursday's Game 4 against San Francisco in the National League Championship Series.

However, Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny said Beltran, who strained a knee Wednesday while running to first after hitting into a double play during the first inning of Game 3, could come off the bench if needed during Game 4.

"Still bothering him to the point where we can't start him, but he will be available as pinch hitter late in the game," Matheny said.

The Giants will try to even the series with St. Louis at two games apiece, with former ace Tim Lincecum on the mound at St. Louis for his first start since Sept. 30.

Lincecum, a two-time National League Cy Young Award winner, lost 15 games this season and finished with an ERA of 5.18.

The Cardinals will counter with Adam Wainwright, who gave up six runs in 2 1/3 innings against the Washington Nationals in Game 5 of the NLDS.