Alec Burleson News: Settling into everyday role

Burleson has made 13 straight starts for the Cardinals, including three straight against left-handed pitching.

The left-handed-hitting Burleson's first start this season against a traditional left-handed starter didn't come until May 31. However, he has started five of seven games versus lefties since that date and is slashing .381/.409/.571 against southpaws during that stretch. Burleson is batting .346/.379/.569 overall with seven homers since May 1, and he has hit third in five of the Cardinals' last six contests. A career .572 OPS against lefties suggests Burleson could be due for some regression in that area, but he should continue to play every day for the time being, especially while Ivan Herrera (hamstring) is shelved.