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: --RF Jay Bruce's six-game hitting streak was snapped Monday.
--3B Edwin Encarnacion leads the team with walks (13). But he has only one hit in his last 28 at-bats and his average is down to .127. Manager Dusty Baker shows no inclination to sit him down after he has played every inning of the first 19 games.
--RHP Aaron Harang threw a dugout temper tantrum in Houston last week when his team failed to score a run for him in a 7-0 loss. They made up for it by scoring seven runs for him in his last start in a 7-1 win over the Cubs and now Harang gets to face the Astros at home Tuesday, where he hopes to improve his 8-8 career record against the Astros.
--1B Joey Votto is in the National League's top 10 in 10 offensive categories, tied for the lead in doubles (nine), tied for second in extra-base hits (12) and third in average (.371).
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
