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: --OF Chris Dickerson left Monday's game after a head-to-head collision at second base with Houston SS Miguel Tejada. Dickerson has had several concussions, but it was determined he did not have one this time, but he will sit out a couple of games.
--RHP Edinson Volquez, who walked five in one inning and seven during his five innings in his previous start against the Braves, tries to recover Wednesday in a home start against the Astros. Volquez faced the Astros two starts ago and gave up one run and four hits (five walks) in a 4-2 win.
--SS Alex Gonzalez, hitting .063 two weeks into the season, put together a six-game hitting streak, longest on the team this season. That run ended Tuesday when he went 0-for-4 against Houston.
MEDICAL WATCH:
OF Chris Dickerson (head) left the April 27 game, and he didn't play April 28. He might sit out a few more days.
3B Edwin Encarnacion (chip fracture in left wrist) went on the 15-day disabled list April 28.
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 Jerry Hairston Jr.
INF Paul Janish
INF Adam Rosales
INF Laynce Nix
OUTFIELDERS:
LF Chris Dickerson
CF Willy Taveras
RF Jay Bruce
OF Darnell McDonald
