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: --3B Adam Rosales, called up from Class AAA Louisville on Tuesday, started at third base Wednesday. With 3B Edwin Encarnacion (fractured wrist) on the disabled list, Rosales should get ample playing time.
--2B Brandon Phillips had his second multi-hit game of the season Tuesday, a double and a home run, but he was out of the starting lineup for the first time this season Wednesday. Phillips lined out as a pinch hitter. With the team off Thursday, Phillips got a rest after he played every inning of the first 20 games.
--LF Chris Dickerson, knocked out of Monday's game after a head-to-head collision at second base with Astros SS Miguel Tejada, passed all tests that he does not have a concussion. He took batting practice Wednesday and was available to pinch-hit, though he didn't get into the game.
MEDICAL WATCH:
OF Chris Dickerson (head) left the April 27 game, and he didn't play April 28-29. He is day-to-day.
3B Edwin Encarnacion (chip fracture in left wrist) went on the 15-day disabled list April 28. He might miss two to three weeks.
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
