Right-hander Daryl Thompson's stay was short, but manager Dusty Baker said it isn't over, even though Thompson was optioned back to Class AAA Louisville Thursday.
Thompson, 0-2 with a 6.91 ERA in three starts, was beat up by Pittsburgh in his third start Wednesday -- hits by the first five Pirates. "He's close, real close," said Baker. "Most guys with his experience have command problems, throwing strikes. He was throwing strikes, but he was up in the zone. He was throwing middle-of-the-plate strikes.
"He is not afraid and has tremendous desire and athleticism," Baker added. "For his best sake, well, he is one of the best guys in our future plans. He has to tighten his slider a little bit and that will make everything else better."
REDS 5, NATIONALS 3: Brandon Phillips' third hit, a two-out first-pitch two-run single broke a 3-3 tie in the seventh inning. And it made RHP Johnny Cueto the winning pitcher after he was taken down for a pinch-hitter in the seventh after giving up three runs and seven hits, while strikingo out eight and walking only one in his seven innings.
