Right-hander Francisco Cordero, the Reds' $46 million closer, pitched all season with a sore right foot and on Friday he had a bone spur removed.
Cordero was unable to do the normal running pitchers do to stay in shape and keep the pounds off, making it difficult for him to cover first base. Nevertheless, he was 5-4 with 34 saves in 40 opportunities and appeared in 72 games.
"It bothered him all year long and we were trying to keep him to use against teams that were in the playoff hunt," said manager Dusty Baker. "He'll be in a boot for four weeks, but should be ready for spring training. This thing has bothered him since spring training. He couldn't run, couldn't cover first base. He said some days it felt fine and other days it would kill him.
"That plays tricks on your head. And that's one reason his weight was up. The bicycle is one thing, but running is another, especially when you are used to running," said Baker.
CARDINALS 7, REDS 6: RHP Bronson Arroyo reached 200 innings for the fourth straight year, but didn't make it past 200 innings, leaving with a 6-4 deficit in the eighth inning Friday. But pinch-hitter Javier Valentin hit a two-out, two-strike two-run homer in the ninth to tie it, 6-6, only to have 3B Troy Glaus hit a bases-loaded sacrifice fly to end it in the bottom of the ninth.
