Third baseman Edwin Encarnacion, struggling mightily at .127, remains in the good graces of manager Dusty Baker.
Encarnacion, second baseman Brandon Phillips (.172) and first baseman Joey Votto (.378) have played every inning of the first 19 games. When the subject of rest came up, Baker said, "Votto doesn't need rest. I was always told that when somebody was hot you ride them as long as they stay hot."
Baker said Phillips soon might need a day of mental rest, "but he plays such good defense, it is difficult to take him out of there."
Encarnacion came to the park early and took extra batting practice Monday. "All it is is timing," Baker said. "His timing is off."
Some wonder if maybe a quick fix in the minors might help Encarnacion, but Baker said, "Triple-A isn't a cure-all, not the answer, especially when it is a matter of timing. He'll get it."
ASTROS 4, REDS 1: Closer Coco Cordero was brought into the game in the ninth inning of a 1-1 tie and gave up three runs and three hits. The Astros have won their last 10 and 15 of their last 16 games in Great American Ball Park. RHP Johnny Cueto held the Astros to one run and seven hits over seven innings.
