The Reds continued to have problems with the bat, hitting only .233 in their first 18 games, with three regulars hitting under .200. However, they'd found ways to win, mostly with solid starting pitching and impeccable bullpen work. Setup relievers David Weathers and Arthur Rhodes hadn't given up a run over a combined 17 appearances, and RHP Francisco Cordero was 6-for-6 in save situations through April 26.
PLAYER NEWS: --SS Alex Gonzalez hit his first homer Saturday, and he has his average up to .152 (from a low of .043). Even so, manager Dusty Baker decided to give him Sunday off, replacing him with SS Paul Janish. After going 0-for-3, Janish saw his average fall to .400.
--RF Jay Bruce, who turned 22 earlier this month, hit two homers Sunday against the Braves, the third time in his career he's hit two in a game. His four RBIs tied his career high. Bruce has hit safely in all six games since missing three in Houston with a swollen right hand.
--RHP Mike Lincoln, a candidate for Comeback Player of the Year in 2008 after being out of baseball for three years, has had a rough start to 2009. He has given up runs in five of his seven appearances and has a 14.73 ERA. Manager Dusty Baker has no immediate plans to alter Lincoln's role in middle relief.
MEDICAL WATCH:
The Reds are healthy.
ROTATION:
RHP Aaron Harang
RHP Edinson Volquez
RHP Bronson Arroyo
RHP Johnny Cueto
RHP Micah Owings
BULLPEN:
RHP Francisco Cordero (closer)
RHP David Weathers
LHP Arthur Rhodes
RHP Jared Burton
RHP Mike Lincoln
LHP Daniel Ray Herrera
RHP Nick Masset
CATCHERS:
Ramon Hernandez
Ryan Hanigan
INFIELDERS:
1B Joey Votto
2B Brandon Phillips
SS Alex Gonzalez
3B Edwin Encarnacion
INF Paul Janish
INF Laynce Nix
OUTFIELDERS:
LF Chris Dickerson
CF Willy Taveras
RF Jay Bruce
OF/INF Jerry Hairston Jr.
OF Darnell McDonald
