Barry Zito threw seven scoreless innings in Sunday's win over the Padres. Zito's 11-game winning streak came to an end last week, but he was able to rebound against a struggling Padres' lineup. The lone criticism is that he only had four strikeouts. Zito will get the Padres again at PETCO in his next start and will be a recommended option in fantasy leagues.

Barry Zito allowed nine runs in 2 2/3 innings Tuesday as the Giants lost to the Brewers. Things were going so well, too. After two scoreless starts to open the season, Zito couldn't make it out of the third inning Tuesday. He was a batter away from escaping in relatively -- emphasis on relatively -- good shape, but a Yuniesky Betancourt grand slam ended his night prematurely. He should fare better Sunday at home against the Padres.

Barry Zito blanked the Rockies for seven innings and went 2-for-3 at the plate Wednesday in the Giants' 10-0 win. Javier Lopez and Chad Gaudin finished the shutout. After two starts, Zito has allowed no runs and scored twice. It's anyone's guess how long it will last -- Zito has enjoyed very good Aprils before -- but after last year's postseason, it's getting tougher and tougher to doubt him.

Barry Zito turned in a solid performance in his spring finale on Friday, limiting the Athletics to one run on three hits over 5 1/3 innings of work. Zito also walked three and struck out one in the game. He finishes an impressive spring with a 2.66 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 18/9 K/BB ratio over 23 2/3 innings. Though he's still vastly overpaid, the veteran left-hander should again provide value to the Giants with his ability to eat innings. Unfortunately, he has very little value, if any, in most fantasy leagues.

Barry Zito limited the Reds to one run over 3 1/3 innings Wednesday. He allowed five hits and a walk but struck out three. Zito's heroics last postseason have carried over into a nice showing this spring, as he holds a 3.38 ERA and 6/2 K/BB ratio over eight frames.

Barry Zito allowed no runs on two hits over three innings in Sunday's win over the Diamondbacks. It was Zito's first spring training start, and he now has a 3.86 ERA through two appearances. Entering the final installment of a seven-year deal, Zito is unlikely to make much of an impact this season. The Giants hold an $18 million option with a $7 million buyout for 2014.

Barry Zito says that he wants to finish his career with the Giants and would be open to a contract extension. Zito is entering the final season of a seven-year, $126 million deal signed in 2006 and would almost certainly need to accept a "team-friendly" contract to return. The 34-year-old has an underwhelming 4.47 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in six seasons with the Giants and currently holds a vesting option for 2014 if he reaches 200 innings.

Barry Zito was terrific Wednesday, tossing 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball in the 8-3 World Series Game 1 win over the Tigers. The veteran left-hander unexpectedly out-dueled Justin Verlander, who gave up five runs over just four innings. Zito appeared to be well on his way to going deep into the game, allowing just one runner to reach second base through the first five frames, but he got into some trouble in the sixth and manager Bruce Bochy wisely had a quick hook. Tim Lincecum replaced him and struck out five over 2 1/3 perfect innings. Zito has now allowed just the one run to cross the plate over his last 13 1/3 postseason innings. The Giants will turn to Madison Bumgarner in Game 2, with the Tigers countering with Doug Fister.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy confirmed Tuesday that Barry Zito will start Game 1 of the World Series. It's not an ideal situation, but the Giants' top two starting pitchers -- Ryan Vogelsong and Matt Cain -- were needed in Games 6 and 7 of the NLCS against the Cardinals. Zito tossed 7 2/3 scoreless innings in his lone NLCS start. He'll need a similar brand of magic vs. Detroit.

Barry Zito is expected to start Game 1 of the World Series against the Tigers on Wednesday. The Giants have yet to make an official announcement, but that's the word around the team. Zito is coming off a tremendous performance in Game 5 of the NLCS where he tossed 7 2/3 scoreless innings. Tim Lincecum or Madison Bumgarner are likely to start Game 2, though the Giants could also go with Ryan Vogelsong on short rest.