--OF Laynce Nix appears to have taken over as Cincinnati's left fielder after making his second consecutive start at the position on Friday. Nix had hits in four of his last five games and was hitting .333 in his previous five starts, including two in right field. Chris Dickerson was hitting just .213 overall, even with hits in four of his last five starts. "I called Dickerson in and talked to him," manager Dusty Baker said. "I said, 'Hey, man, you've got to get back to work and get it back together.' Nix is going good right now. We have to win ballgames. I'm not saying it's all (Dickerson's) fault, but Nix is doing his thing."
--The Reds' bullpen went into Friday's game just sixth in the league with a 3.95 combined ERA, but closer Francisco Cordero remained perfect in saves by converting his ninth in nine opportunities. For the second consecutive season, Cincinnati will be the last team in the major leagues to suffer a blown save. Last season, the Reds didn't blow a save until their 41st game. --Saturday's scheduled starter, RHP Aaron Harang, is hoping that his teammates can come up with some runs behind him. The Reds have averaged 2.5 runs per game in his six starts, including two in his last outing, which ended with Cincinnati losing, 3-2, in 14 innings Monday at Florida.
--SS Paul Janish, who was a closer in high school but hadn't pitched since, was pressed into pitching duty Wednesday against the Brewers when the Reds trailed 10-3 in the ninth. He gave up five runs, including a three-run homer to 1B Prince Fielder.
BY THE NUMBERS: 1 -- Roster moves made by the team over the first 24 games. 3B Edwin Encarnacion had to be placed on the disabled list with a fractured left wrist.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Our goal is to win 15 games a month. And if we do that, we win 90 games, and that should get us something." -- Manager Dusty Baker.
