--RHP Aaron Harang's examination Sunday on his sore right forearm evoked a note of optimism from team medical director Dr. Tim Kremchek and Harang will be checked again Thursday to determine when he can resume throwing.
--C Javier Valentin went to the All-Star break one RBI shy of 200 for his career. --RHP Mike Lincoln recorded a victory with a nine-pitch inning Friday against the Brewers, his first win in the majors since April 29, 2004, for St. Louis against Philadelphia, then he had "Tommy John" surgery shortly thereafter and missed nearly four years before returning this season.
--INF/OF Jerry Hairston Jr. left Sunday's game in the third inning after beating out a bunt then collapsing behind first base with a right hamstring pull.
--INF/OF Andy Phillips was given a rare start Sunday, despite his .133 batting average, as manager Dusty Baker stacked his lineup with right-handed batters to face Brewers LHP CC Sabathia and Phillips responded with a second-inning double that led to a run.
BY THE NUMBERS: 8 -- Number of games the Reds have won with Jerry Hairston Jr. batting first and Jeff Keppinger batting second in the order against only one defeat and the team has won seven straight with that 1-2 combination.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I want to see us come back from the All-Star break smoking, really playing hard, and maybe we can catch some teams still a little laid-back returning from vacation and not ready to be intense." -- Manager Dusty Baker, on his plans for his team right after the break.
