Bailey, Cincinnati's first-round draft pick in 2004, was optioned to Class AAA Louisville, but the 22-year-old Texan isn't expected to stay down long.

Bronson Arroyo is battling carpal tunnel syndrome in his pitching hand and already has been moved back three days in the rotation. Bailey is the likely replacement if Arroyo can't go on April 12.

Bailey put together a 2.61 ERA in six spring appearances, giving up six runs and 18 hits in 20 2/3 innings. He walked four and struck out 20.

He is the proudest of his walks total, something that has been a problem early in his career.

"That shows I have pretty good command of my fastball and my breaking pitches," he said.

THE REDS WILL CONTEND IF ...: RHP Aaron Harang reverts to his 16-win form of 2006 and 2007 and avoids his 17-loss form of last year.

PRIMED FOR A BIG SEASON: 1B Joey Votto, second in the NL Rookie of the Year voting, had four hits for Canada against Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. He appears ready to continue where he left off last season, when he hit .297 with 24 homers and 84 RBIs.

ON THE DECLINE: 3B Edwin Encarnacion continues to try to pull everything and does not appear to have corrected his defensive deficiencies.