sign in sign up
<<
Home , Adam Dunn, Alan Busenitz, Baseball Talk, Bid McPhee, Bob Castellini, Clint Hurdle

Reds Press Clippings July 23, 2018 THIS DAY IN REDS HISTORY 2000-Tony Perez, and Bid McPhee are inducted into the National Hall of Fame and Museum, while receives the Ford C. Frick Award in Cooperstown, New York. This is the first time the Hall of Fame honors four men representing the same baseball club, in the same year MLB.COM Reds fall as Harvey allows 8 runs in short outing Pirates' homers are first allowed by right-hander since June 8 By Mark Sheldon MLB.com @m_sheldon

CINCINNATI -- The non-waiver Trade Deadline is July 31, which means that Matt Harvey could get one more start before the Reds decide whether or not they want to move him. But if scouts put too much stock in Harvey's disastrous performance on Sunday vs. the Pirates, the phone of baseball operations president might not ring as much.

Overall, Harvey has been a success story since his May 8 acquisition from the Mets, but that was certainly not the case during a 9-2 Reds loss to Pittsburgh at . He turned in the worst start of his brief tenure in Cincinnati with eight earned runs and eight hits -- including a career-high four home runs -- over 3 2/3 innings. The biggest issue? Harvey was unable to locate any of his pitches effectively.

"I tried to go in, and it'd go back over the plate. I tried to go away to a righty, and it was tailing down the middle," said Harvey, who had zero walks and two . "The slider wasn't doing a whole lot, and that's what's been so successful the last couple of weeks, being able to locate the fastball and work the slider off the bat. It was a rough one, but I'll get back after it this week and get ready for my next one."

Harvey -- who can be a free agent after the season -- hadn't given up any homers since he allowed three of them on June 8 vs. the Cardinals. The 37-inning streak was the fifth-longest active streak among big league starters.

Over his previous five starts before Sunday, Harvey was 4-0 with a 1.86 ERA.

"That's baseball, you're not going to go the whole season without giving up a home ," Harvey said following Pittsburgh's three- game series sweep of the Reds. "Unfortunately, as good as I was, part of baseball is running into hot bats and when you don't execute pitches and you leave stuff over the middle of the plate, a hot team is going to make you pay, and they did that today."

The game went sour quickly for Harvey after Corey Dickerson opened the game with a . Two batters later, Gregory Polanco attacked a 1-0 slider and put it in the right-field seats for a two-run homer. It was a 3-0 game in the second inning when Dickerson got a 2-0 off-speed pitch low and inside and pulled it for a two-run homer. made it back-to-back long balls when he lifted a 1-0 fastball to center field.

"I think we put together a pretty good plan and laid off pitches we didn't want to swing at," Dickerson said. "You have to get a pitch to because he is pretty good. He has been around a while. You can't give him too many pitches. You try to maximize when you get a pitch to hit you are looking for and don't miss it."

Pittsburgh made it a 7-0 game in the fourth when Sean Rodriguez hit a leadoff homer to center field.

"We've given up some home runs in general, but Harvey has been really been good about it," said Reds interim , whose club has dropped four straight games. "He hasn't been giving them up. We ran into a hot club there. We've just got to push the reset button and get it going again tomorrow."

A two-out single by Dickerson concluded Harvey's day, but the inherited run scored on Polanco's RBI single against Jackson Stephens.

"There's work to be done to make sure this doesn't happen again, going over video, doing all the work in-between this week. I'm looking forward to my next start," Harvey said.

The goal for Williams and the front office since acquiring Harvey from New York for Devin Mesoraco was to flip him to a contender for a better return -- if he was able to increase his value. Throwing Sunday's game aside, the right-hander has done that. Entering the day, he had a 5-3 record and 3.64 ERA in 12 starts for the Reds after he was 0-2 with a 7.00 ERA during a turbulent end to his time with the Mets.

Following surgeries on his elbow and for thoracic outlet syndrome while with the Mets, Harvey has been healthy with the Reds. His fastball velocity has also improved -- from 93.1 mph with the Mets this season to 94.9 mph -- entering Sunday with Cincinnati. Coincidental or not, the Reds were 8-27 before landing Harvey and have gone 35-29 since the deal.

If the Reds don't like the offers they get for Harvey, they could hang on to him or try to move him in a waivers trade next month. If he finishes the season in Cincinnati, the club would not get to make a qualifying offer to the free agent for Draft-pick compensation because he was already traded this season.

Harvey has avoided discussing any speculation about the potential of being traded. But he maintained that he's liked pitching for the Reds.

"No matter where you are or where you want to be, this is a business," he said. "Whatever is decided, my job is to go out and out and do everything I can to help this team win. Hopefully, pick up another streak.

"We're going to flush this weekend. It was a rough one for a lot of us. We're going to get out there tomorrow and try to get into a winning streak."

MOMENT THAT MATTERED

The Reds didn't score on Pirates starter Ivan Nova until Phillip Ervin lofted a soft two-out, two-run single to center field in the seventh inning. They were outscored, 27-5, in the three-game series.

"We just had the four days off and didn't come out firing on all cylinders offensively," Riggleman said. "It's a combination of us not swinging the bats like we're capable and they pitched well."

SOUND SMART

In his 2-for-4 afternoon, Reds Jose Peraza notched his 30th multihit game of the season and extended his hitting streak to eight games. Peraza, who entered the day leading the with 9.3 plate appearances per , has an active streak of 32 plate appearances without striking out. His last one came on July 11 at Cleveland.

HE SAID IT

"It's disappointing. It's a long season, 162 games, you're going to hit some times where you just aren't hitting on all cylinders. Other times, everybody is going full guns and driving in runs and pitching great and you put together a nice streak. This is kind of the ebb and flow of it. You want to minimize it as much as possible on the downside." -- Riggleman, on the Reds' poor performance since the All-Star break

UP NEXT

Luis Castillo will be making his first start of the second half when the Reds host the Cardinals at 7:10 p.m. ET Monday. For St. Louis, right-hander Daniel Poncedeleon will be making his Major League debut on the mound. In his final start of the first half on July 14, Castillo also faced the Cardinals. He gave up two earned runs and five hits over five innings without a walk. Castillo waited out a 52-minute rain delay during the second inning but was taken out after a second delay of nearly two hours following the fifth inning.

Dunn, Bristol, Norman feted at Reds HOF gala Night culminates with trio of 2018 inductees receiving ceremonial red blazers By Brian Scott Rippee MLB.com Jul. 22nd, 2018

CINCINNATI -- A weekend of celebrations to honor the three Hall of Fame inductees, , and , culminated with a gala on Sunday night. Reds legends past and present gathered at the Duke Energy Convention Center for an evening of fun and fellowship as the trio received their red jackets at the end of the evening.

Roughly 1,000 people attended the gala, which is held every two years. The entire Reds active roster and coaching staff were in attendance, as well as roughly 20 current Reds Hall of Famers and their families.

Reds president and chief operating officer Phil Castellini announced at the beginning of the event that the Reds were kicking off a $5 million capital campaign to modernize the Reds Hall of Fame. Castellini also said next month the Reds will unveil a logo and plan for celebrating the 150th anniversary of in 2019.

Several who played with or for Dunn, Bristol and Norman were in attendance and told stories of fond memories. told a tale of he and Dunn fishing together and having a close encounter with an alligator that Dunn hooked with a fishing line.

"Adam is an outdoorsman and he is teaching me while he does his thing," Larkin said. "He decides to take his treble hook, throws it over the back of the gator and starts reeling the gator in on the side of this nine-foot boat."

Larkin called it one of the more uncomfortable times of his life as he laughed at the memory.

"But I wouldn't want to do it with anyone other than the Big Donkey," Larkin said with a smile.

Johnny Bench recalled Norman being traded to the Reds from San Diego in 1973 and bringing a 1-7 record with him, only to throw back-to-back shutouts in his first two outings and take an attempt at a third consecutive shutout to the ninth inning.

"Freddy was just one of those competitors we all admired and respected because he had grit and he had guts," Bench said. " He threw 26 1/3 innings of shutout baseball because he knew that we were backing him and we accepted him as a teammate."

Norman was an instrumental piece to the 's starting rotation and was invaluable to their back-to-back runs in 1975 and '76.

Former Reds infielder and manager recalled playing under Bristol as he introduced him on stage. Helms credits Bristol for teaching him the fundamentals of baseball.

"If you play for Dave Bristol you will be fundamentally ready to get to the big leagues," Helms said. "You are going to be a better person because of Dave Bristol. All the dreams you can have about playing in the big leagues, he will give you that chance to be a big leaguer. He taught so many people. People don't realize how many friends he has."

Tony Perez added that he would never have made it to the National Baseball Hall of Fame if it were not for Bristol.

Bristol recalled Helms being the only player in he would request to work with throughout the season.

"I thought I could make him a better player," Bristol said. "It turns out he made me a better player."

Dunn thanked his family and friends and told a story about his wife Rachael suggesting that he hit right-handed after a game in which Dunn struggled mightily.

"I didn't know how to respond to that," Dunn said as the crowd laughed. "She is a good one and I am really blessed to have her."

The night culminated with the trio of inductees receiving their ceremonial red blazers signifying their induction into the Reds Hall of Fame, joining the 89 members of this prestigious club and etching a place into the history of baseball's first franchise.

"Congratulations to Adam Dunn, Dave Bristol and Fred Norman," Castellini said. "I can promise you that your legacy will live on forever at the Reds Hall of Fame."

Reds to temporarily go with six-man rotation Romano to start Wednesday after Bailey returns By Mark Sheldon MLB.com @m_sheldon Jul. 22nd, 2018

CINCINNATI -- The Reds have decided to go with Sal Romano to start on Wednesday vs. the Cardinals, which means the club will temporarily work with a six-man starting rotation.

Romano had been available from the bullpen this weekend vs. the Pirates. When Homer Bailey is activated from the disabled list to start on Tuesday, that likely means someone from the eight-man bullpen will have to be taken off the 25-man roster.

"That will be a little bit of a challenge," interim manager Jim Riggleman said on Sunday. "We'll see how that works out. If it puts too much strain on the bullpen, then we would not stay with that."

There's a good chance that the six-man rotation will not be a long-term scenario anyway. The non-waiver Trade Deadline looms on July 31, and Sunday's starter, Matt Harvey, is a leading candidate to be dealt.

But what if Harvey isn't traded?

"If he isn't traded -- I've really gotten no indication he's going to be traded -- we would not stay with six for a long period of time," Riggleman said. "I guess we could if we ran into a long period of very few off-days, and those guys are giving us six innings. If they're not, then we're really putting a strain on the bullpen."

Romano is 5-8 with a 5.19 ERA in 20 games this season, including 19 starts. His lone relief appearance was 1 2/3 scoreless innings on July 15 at St. Louis.

Schebler could be ready soon

Reds right fielder Scott Schebler could be activated from the 10-day disabled list when eligible on Wednesday. Schebler, who went on the DL on Wednesday (retroactive to July 15) with a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder, has been hitting in the cage.

"He knows when he's ready to play. I think it will be any day now," Riggleman said.

Schebler was injured on July 14 at St. Louis when he crashed into the wall to make a catch. Despite the 10 days of being out, Riggleman did not expect Schebler to need a rehab assignment.

"It hasn't been that long," Riggleman said. "If he's out 10 days, I don't know that he would need to do that. We might do some live batting practice or a simulated situation or something. We'd like to get him back in there as soon as possible." CINCINNATI ENQUIRER Matt Harvey has his worst outing as a Cincinnati Red in 9-2 loss to the John Fay, Cincinnati Enquirer Published 4:12 p.m. ET July 22, 2018 | Updated 8:43 a.m. ET July 23, 2018

Let’s just say Matt Harvey didn’t exactly enhance his trade value Sunday.

Harvey, the 29-year-old right-hander, had his worst start as a Cincinnati Red in a 9-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates before a crowd of 23,615 at Great American Ball Park.

Conventional baseball wisdom says the Reds will trade Harvey. He's a free agent after the season.

"I'm not talking about going to a different team or whatnot," he said. "My goal is every fifth day, to pitch for this team and today was a bad one, but I'm healthy and I've thrown the ball pretty well. Today was just a rough one."

The Reds have lost four straight. Reds starters have gone 16 ⅓ innings and allowed 23 runs in the skid, and the Reds have scored a total of nine runs in the four games.

"It’s disappointing," Reds Interim Manager Jim Riggleman said. "It’s a long season, 162 games, you’re going to hit some times where you just aren’t hitting on all cylinders. Other times, everybody is going full guns and driving in runs and pitching great and you put together a nice streak. This is kind of the ebb and flow of it. You want to minimize it as much as possible on the downside.”

Harvey went 3 ⅔ innings and allowed eight runs on eight hits Sunday. He walked none and struck out two.

Harvey came in on a roll. He was 4-0 with a 1.86 ERA over his last five starts. Over 29 innings, he had allowed 26 hits, walked five and struck out 23. He had not allowed a . He gave up four on Sunday.

Harvey doesn't talk about trades, but he knows the reality of his situation.

"No matter where you are or where you want to be, this is a business," he said. "Whatever is decided, my job is to go out and do everything I can to help this team win. Hopefully, pick up another streak.

"We're going to flush this weekend. It was a rough one for a lot of us. We're going to get out there tomorrow and try to get into a winning streak."

Harvey's resurrected his career with the Reds and enjoyed his time with the club.

"It's been awesome," he said. "Other than today, it's been pretty successful, so ... I just have to get back after it and flush this one and start fresh tomorrow and start a new rhythm."

Corey Dickerson, the one-man wrecking crew in the series for the Pirates, led off the game with a double. After a completely unnecessary sacrifice, Gregory Polanco hit one out to right for his 17th of the year, and it was 2-0.

The second inning did not go so well for Harvey. Sean Rodriguez doubled. Max Moroff singled him in. Ivan Nova sacrificed Moroff to second.

Dickerson then hit his fifth home run in four days and 11th of the year. Starling Marte followed with a home run of his own, and it was 6-0.

The six runs were the most Harvey had given up in 13 starts as a Red, and he was only four outs into the game.

Harvey retired the next four before giving up a home run to Sean Rodriguez to lead off the fourth.

He got the next two hitters, but he was pulled after giving up a single to – who else? – Dickerson.

Location was the problem for Harvey.

"I tried to go in and it'd go back over the plate," Harvey said. "I tried to go away to a righty and it was tailing down the middle. The slider wasn't doing a whole lot and that's what's been so successful the last couple of weeks, being able to locate the fastball and work the slider off the bat. It was a rough one, but I'll get back after it this week and get ready for my next one."

Jackson Stephens took over and took one for the team, going 3 ⅓ innings and allowing one run.

The Reds scored two in the seventh on Phillip Ervin's two-out, two-RBI single.

"We ran into a hot club there," Riggleman said. "We have to hit the reset button and go at it (Monday)."

Sal Romano makes six as far as Cincinnati Reds rotation John Fay, Cincinnati Enquirer Published 12:05 p.m. ET July 22, 2018 | Updated 8:45 a.m. ET July 23, 2018

Sal Romano will start Wednesday. Homer Bailey returns to the rotation Tuesday.

That means the Cincinnati Reds have a six-man rotation – for now.

Bailey has been rehabbing with -A Louisville. His rehab time is up. Reds Interim Manager Jim Riggleman said on Friday that Bailey was in for Tuesday. Romano has been available in the bullpen, but, going into Sunday’s game, he had not been used.

If he’s not used Sunday, he’ll go Wednesday. If Romano does start, the Reds will have one fewer bullpen arm.

“That’ll be a little bit of a challenge,” Riggleman said. “If it puts too much strain on the bullpen, we would not be able to stay with that.”

The Reds do not want to stay with a six-man rotation long term. Of course, the non-waiver trade deadline is July 31. Matt Harvey, Sunday’s starter, could very well be traded. That would get the rotation back to five.

If Harvey isn’t traded?

“We would not stay with six for a long period of time,” Riggleman said. “I guess we could if we run into a period of very few off days and those guys are giving us six innings. If they’re not, you're really putting a strain on the bullpen.”

It’s been widely assumed that Harvey will be traded. He’s a free agent after the season. The Reds get nothing if he walks. But Riggleman made it sound like a trade was not a foregone conclusion.

“I’ve got no indication he’ll be traded,” Riggleman said.

Riggleman would not be involved in trade talks, but he made it clear what he’d like to see happen.

“I have a lot of hope he will not be traded,” he said. “As far as something being worked out, it’s something for his agent and (the front office) to work out.”

“I think he likes it here. He’s getting better and better. We hope he stays here. We’re fortunate to have him. It’s a great acquisition by our front office to get him.”

HOMER PLAN: Bailey will not be on any limitations for his start.

“He’s been stretched out – seven innings and numerous pitches,” Riggleman said. “In today’s world, any time you get up to around 110 pitches we know we’re getting close to the end. Hopefully, he’ll get that far.”

SCHEBLER UPDATE: If right fielder Scott Schebler’s right shoulder is good to go Wednesday, he will not go on a rehab assignment. Wednesday is the first day Schebler is eligible to come off the 10-day disabled list.

“It hasn’t been that long,” Riggleman said. “I hadn’t discussed that with (general manager Nick Krall or president of baseball operations Dick Williams). He hasn’t been out that long. I don’t know that he’d need to do that. We might get a little live batting practice out there. We’d like to get him back in there as soon as possible.”

The call as to whether he’s ready will largely be Schebler’s.

“He’s gone through a couple of shoulder issues the last couple of years,” Riggleman said. “He knows what he’s dealing with. He knows when he’s ready to play. It was the other shoulder last year. But he knows.”

HALL CALL: Riggleman spent time with the Reds Hall of Famers who came back for the induction of Adam Dunn, Dave Bristol and Freddie Norman. He’d like to get legends more involved.

“I got a chance to visit with a lot of them,” Riggleman said. “I really enjoyed meeting Dave Bristol. All of them. We hope to keep them in here more, visit with the players, come in my office, get them involved more in spring training.” THE ATHLETIC Still likely to be traded, Matt Harvey has his first poor outing for the Reds By C. Trent Rosecrans July 22, 2018

CINCINNATI — If Sunday was Matt Harvey’s final outing in a Reds uniform, it’ll be an anomaly. Harvey wasn’t good on Sunday. In fact, he was really, really bad.

As the Reds approach the trade deadline, Harvey has been better than anyone could have expected following his trade to Cincinnati on May 8, entering the day 5-3 with a 3.64 ERA in 12 starts in a Reds uniform (and left it 5-4 with a 4.50 ERA).

Harvey, who had allowed a total of four home runs in his four starts at Great American Ball Park coming into Sunday, allowed a career-high four homers in 3 1/3 innings, allowing eight runs on eight hits in the Reds’ 9-2 loss to the Pirates. It was his shortest outing as a Red.

“It’s been awesome. Other than today, it’s been pretty successful,” Harvey said of his time with the Reds. “I just have to get back after it and flush this one and start fresh tomorrow and start a new rhythm.”

Before Sunday’s game, Reds interim manager Jim Riggleman said he hoped Harvey would be around after the July 31 trade deadline. Harvey said he’s not thinking about trade rumors or anything like that.

But it’s still a near-certainty he’ll be dealt. When the Reds traded Devin Mesoraco to the Mets in exchange for Harvey in May, it was with the express reason to try to flip him by the deadline. Although he’s pitched well for the Reds (aside from Sunday) and by all accounts has been well-liked in the clubhouse, Harvey is a free agent for the first time following this season. His agent is Scott Boras, not someone known for making team-friendly deals right before a player reaches free agency. As for the Reds, investing heavily in a veteran starter who has a long injury history, a proclivity to fly balls and will be 30 on Opening Day in 2019 doesn’t add up to a wise investment either.

What Harvey has done is reestablish himself as a big-league starter, if not necessarily the guy who once started an All-Star Game or the one calling his own shots in the World Series.

Harvey’s been healthy, and even Sunday, his fastball averaged 94 mph and hit 96. The velocity wasn’t the issue. Location was.

“I tried to go in and it’d go back over the plate. I tried to go away to a righty and it was tailing down the middle,” Harvey said. “The slider wasn’t doing a whole lot and that’s what’s been so successful the last couple of weeks, being able to locate the fastball and work the slider off the bat. It was a rough one, but I’ll get back after it this week and get ready for my next one.”

The next one, with the addition of Homer Bailey to a now-six-man rotation, would be Saturday against Philadelphia.

The end of Bailey’ rehab assignment and failure to transition into a bullpen role in Triple-A has given way to a temporary six-man rotation at the big-league level. The expanded rotation probably won’t be in place after the next off day, July 30, Riggleman said before Sunday’s game.

Still, the manager said he’d like to see Harvey as part of his club in Detroit on July 31.

Harvey said he’s enjoyed his time in Cincinnati but isn’t speculating about what happens beyond his next start.

“No matter where you are or where you want to be, this is a business,” Harvey said. “Whatever is decided, my job is to go out and do everything I can to help this team win.”

Or the next team.

The Reds aren’t expecting a king’s ransom in return for Harvey — just more than they would have gotten for Mesoraco. That seems likely, at this point.

One scout posited before Sunday’s start that the Reds could get one solid prospect and one lesser prospect in return for Harvey—not anyone in the ’s Top 100, but more like the return they got in exchange for reliever Dylan Floro, who was young, cheap and had less than a year of big-league service time.

The Reds received two minor-leaguers from the in return for sending Floro, minor-league pitcher Zach Neal and international signing money. Of those two , James Marinan was ranked the Dodgers’ No. 21 prospect by MLB.com and Aneurys Zabala has hit 100 mph with his fastball. Marinan was a fourth-round pick in 2017 out of high school and a player the Reds had liked in the draft a year ago.

Similarly, the Harvey trade, whenever it happens (and it will almost assuredly happen), will garner attention mostly because of Harvey’s famous name. The returning pieces will likely be footnotes to most of the baseball world.

Harvey is at least healthy, and Sunday excepted, throwing well.

“I’m not talking about going to a different team or whatnot. My goal is every fifth day to pitch for this team and today was a bad one, but I’m healthy and I’ve thrown the ball pretty well. Today was just a rough one,” he said. “Like I said, there’s a reason you’re going to run back out there every fifth day, there’s work to be done to make sure this doesn’t happen again, going over video, doing all the work in-between this week. I’m looking forward to my next start.” WCPO - Channel 9 Adam Dunn, Fred Norman, Dave Bristol earned spot in Reds Hall of Fame Just ask the players who preceded them Jeff Wallner | WCPO Contributior 4:52 AM, Jul 23, 2018

CINCINNATI - The Reds never finished higher than third during Adam Dunn’s eight seasons here. But the “Big Donkey” made an indelible mark on Reds franchise history with his mammoth home runs and colorful persona.

Dunn was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame this past weekend along with former manager Dave Bristol and Big Red Machine left-hander Fred Norman. Dunn was the top vote-getter selected by fans, Reds alumni and select media members.

Despite all the losing and five different managers who were unable to stem the tide from 2001 to 2008, Dunn’s 270 home runs, most of them prodigious, gave fans something to cheer about.

The Reds clubhouse during that time was packed with personality, with Ken Griffey Jr., , Barry Larkin and a 6-foot-6 Texan serving as the ringleaders.

“Dunner was right there in the forefront,” Casey said. “He was like my little brother. I love him so much. I’ve played on better teams … but it was special. In the back of the planes, it was like the whole team was back there. We’d be having a good time, having some laughs. I felt like that would translate to the field. We just didn’t have the pitching. You give us two legit starters, we could have done some great things.”

A left-handed slugger for 14 big-league seasons, Dunn hit 270 of his 462 career home runs in a Reds uniform. Only , Tony Perez, and hit more as a Red. Dunn owned a .520 , which ranks third in Reds franchise history.

Dunn could have hung around long enough to reach the 500-home run mark but said “I didn’t think it was fair to hang around to chase numbers.”

On Aug. 10, 2004, Dunn hit the longest home run in Great American Ball Park history - an estimated 535 feet - off the Dodgers’ Jose Lima. The ball reportedly came to rest on a piece of driftwood along the banks of the River, where it was retrieved by a Reds employee.

“There were homers I thought I hit better, and they said it was only 411 feet,” said Dunn, in his unassuming manner.

******

Dunn hurriedly dressed at his locker following the Reds’ 9-8 victory over the on June 30, 2006 while a horde of reporters encircled him to ask about the walk-off home run he hit minutes earlier.

It wasn’t just any home run, it was a grand slam off Indians closer that capped an epic nine-run rally in the final two innings, one that in the years since has become among the most discussed in Reds franchise history.

It wasn’t that the usually approachable Dunn didn’t want to discuss his dramatic slam, it was just that he had a pressing obligation: He and several of his Reds teammates were late for a Nickelback concert at U.S. Bank Arena.

“It was Nickelback,” Dunn said. “I’m almost ashamed to admit that now. We were sitting in the dugout and (former Reds ) said, 'Hey, if you get up we'll have a chance to win it.' I'm like, 'That's 12 hitters away.' Sure enough, it worked out.”

When a reporter asked Dunn how he managed to push his way through his teammates waiting to celebrate at home plate, Dunn said “It was easy. There are only 24 of them."

******

Dunn’s self-deprecating humor and jocularity with teammates helped add some color to a particularly gloomy period in Reds history.

His locker was a playpen, complete with a luxurious leather massage chair which Dunn charged teammates a quarter to use, a figurine of Hank Williams Jr. on the top shelf and African tribal masks mounted on the wall.

“I was a kid then,” said Dunn, who once prank-called Marty Brennaman during a rain delay. “I grew up in Cincinnati essentially. Cincy will always be home.”

Dunn, 38, was well aware of his flaws. He struck out nearly 2,400 times in 6,883 at-bats during his career, ranking third all-time. He fanned four times in a game 19 times, fourth-most all-time.

While describing one at-bat, Dunn said, “I swung and missed. Go figure.”

The Reds traded Dunn to the in August 2008 for and pitcher . Dunn had stints in Washington, for the and with Oakland before his career ended in 2014.

“Of all the great players I played with, nobody hit for more power,” Casey said. “When I think about what I miss most about playing basebal,l Adam Dunn always comes to mind. He showed up every day ready to play.”

Seven times during his career, Dunn appeared in 158 or more games. He appeared in all but two games from 2004 to 2006.

“You (could) write his name in every day,” said Reds manager Jim Riggleman, who managed Dunn for two seasons with the Nationals. “You pretty much could plug in 38 to 40 homers. He took his walks, was a high on-base guy. He was a lot of fun to be around. His teammates loved him.”

******

The stories came fast and furious during Induction Weekend.

Dunn often joked that would retire from baseball early to spend more time outdoors. “I’d rather be bass fishing,” he liked to say.

During Spring Training in Sarasota, , Dunn, an adept hunter and fisherman, would teach Larkin -- who was neither -- how to fish.

The two Hall of Famers practiced casting at Larkin’s apartment, trying to land the lure on a coffee table, breaking only a few glass objects in the process. Then they would take Larkin’s boat to private fishing holes to ply their trade.

“I’m the city boy, right?” Larkin said. “He’s the outdoorsman.”

One day, Dunn decided to hook a baby alligator after they saw a 15-foot gator lurking in the same waterway earlier in the day.

“So, he’s got this baby gator hissing on the side of the boat, while momma gator -- 15 feet -- is out there trying decide who she’s going to eat first, him or me,” Larkin said, amid laughter in the interview room at Great American Ball Park on Saturday.

******

A common theme for this year’s Reds Hall of Fame class is that the achievements of all three inductees have been underappreciated.

Dunn’s strikeouts and the lack of team success during his time here cause many fans to devalue his career as a Red. Bristol preceded Sparky Anderson and the great run of the Big Red Machine, making his impact a footnote in Reds history. Norman was a member of a 1970s Reds pitching staff that performed in the shadow of the “Great Eight” lineup.

But many former teammates told a different story this weekend.

As former St. Louis Cardinals coach George Kissell once told Riggleman: “If they gave Dave Bristol one more year, you would have never heard of Sparky Anderson."

Bristol, 85, went 298-265 from 1966 to 1969 as Reds manager before being replaced by Anderson, who orchestrated the most successful decade in franchise history.

“I was fortunate to manage some of the best players to ever play the game of baseball,” Bristol said. “They talk about history with the Reds organization. Hopefully I made a little of it.”

Bristol clearly left a mark on his players.

“He hit me ground balls every day,” Tony Perez said. “He helped me so much. I’m in the Hall of Fame because of Dave Bristol.”

“Dave Bristol produced the Big Red Machine,” said. “and Sparky Anderson developed it.”

Norman was a struggling left-hander with a 1-7 record when he was acquired in a trade with San Diego in 1973.

“He fooled everybody,” said Perez. “When he threw the screwball, every hitter looked funny.”

Norman went 85-64 with a 3.43 ERA in seven seasons with the Reds, including a 24-11 mark and 3.41 ERA as the Reds claimed back-to-back World Series titles in 1975 and ’76.

“Sparky always told us, pitch to a 3.50 () and we could win ‘em all,” he said. “That’s what we tried to do.”

******

The weekend’s festivities wrapped up in a jam-packed third-floor ballroom in the Duke Energy Convention Center on Sunday evening with more than 1,000 people, including the entire current Reds team and staff.

More than 20 former Reds players were in town this weekend including Larkin, Casey, Rose, Perez, Johnny Bench, , David Concepcion, , and .

“In my opinion, the Reds Hall of Fame is second to only one and that would be Cooperstown,” Dunn said. “Some of the greatest players to not only play for the Reds, to ever play the game,are inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame. I can’t put into words how big of an honor that is.”

The Reds Hall of Fame is expected to be even better in 2019. At Sunday night’s gala, Reds Chief Operating Officer Phil Castellini kicked off a capital campaign to help raise $5 million to modernize the Hall of Fame for the 150th anniversary celebration of baseball’s first professional team. The anniversary logo will be unveiled in August.

Will he stay or go? Reds starter Matt Harvey happy either way Pirates rock righty in possibly final Reds start WCPO Staff, Associated Press 8:16 PM, Jul 22, 2018

CINCINNATI - Will Matt Harvey stay with the Reds or will he go?

The right-hander apparently will be happy trade or no trade.

The slugging Pirates rocked Harvey in possibly his last Reds start Sunday. Afterward, Harvey said he would accept his fate either way.

"I'm here. I've enjoyed playing with these guys," said Harvey, who was traded from the Mets on May 8 after refusing a minor- league assignment. "I think I've learned no matter where you want to be, no matter what you want to do, this is a business. So whatever is decided, my job is to go out and compete and do everything I can to help this team win."

According to baseball talk, the Reds are expected to trade Harvey by the July 31 non-waiver deadline because he's likely to command more than the Reds would be willing to pay on the free-agent market next winter.

Harvey has been the Reds' best starter almost since the time he got here, but even he was no match for the surging Pirates.

"When you don't execute pitches and leave stuff over the middle of the plate, a hot team is going to make you pay," Harvey said after the Pirates knocked him out in the fourth inning of a 9-2 loss.

Harvey (5-6) had won his last four starts, but the Pirates tagged him for eight runs and eight hits in 3 2/3 innings in by far his worst Reds outing.

Harvey hadn't allowed a home run in six starts before surrendering four against the Pirates, who completely dominated the three- game series and extended their winning streak to nine games.

"I went back and looked at the tape. The slider wasn't doing a whole lot, and the fastball was coming back over the plate," Harvey said.

Whatever happens to Harvey, the Reds have to rebound from their weekend disaster, and Harvey was optimistic they could with seven more games left on a 10-game homestand - three with the Cardinals starting Monday, then four with the Phillies.

"Hopefully we can get another streak going. We're going to flush this weekend," Harvey said. "It was a bad one for a lot of us."

That's putting it mildly.

The Pirates outscored the Reds 27-5, outhomered them 8-1 and outhit them 43-21.

The Reds starters - Tyler Mahle, Anthony DeSclafani, and Harvey - gave up 17 earned runs in 13 2/3 innings. That amounts to an ERA of 11.20.

After an encouraging 22-10 stretch leading up to the All-Star break, the Reds have lost four in a row for the first time since June 2- 6.

"We came out of the break not firing on all cylinders," interim manager Jim Riggleman said. "It is disappointing, but there will be times in 162 games where you're not firing on all cylinders. We have to push the reset button and get started tomorrow."

The Pirates did not have a problem firing their cylinders.

"The bats showed up," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "Really, everything did, but the offense was out in front of things. We did some damage early today."

Corey Dickerson and Starling Marte hit consecutive homers off Harvey during Pittsburgh's four-run second. Dickerson's two-run shot extended his homer streak to four straight games, becoming the first Pirate to accomplish the feat since in 2014.

Dickerson went 4 for 5 and finished the series with 21 total bases.

Gregory Polanco and Sean Rodriguez also went deep as Pittsburgh completed its first sweep of the Reds since Sept. 27-29, 2013.

Pittsburgh collected 15 hits in its 11th win in 12 games and moved two games above .500 for the first time since it was 30-28 on June 2. It's the longest win streak for the Pirates since they also won nine in a row in June 2013.

Polanco's two-run shot in the first landed deep in the right-field seats. He also drove in Dickerson with a single in the fourth, extending Pittsburgh's lead to 8-0. It was more than enough for Ivan Nova (6-6), who allowed two runs and five hits in 6 2/3 innings.

The right-hander also singled off the wall in right-center in the sixth, stopping his hitless slide at 63 at-bats.

"Finally," he said. "That's one of the cooler moments I've had in baseball. Everybody was cheering for the base hit. Some of the guys asked me why I didn't have a double, but I was OK with a base hit."

Phillip Ervin had two hits and two RBIs for Cincinnati. Jose Peraza also had two of the Reds' six hits.

KEEPING IT ALIVE

Marte extended his hitting streak to a career-high 15 games. It's the majors' longest active streak.

WHAT INJURY?

Nova improved to 4-1 with a 3.40 ERA in eight starts since coming off the disabled list on June 10. He had been sidelined by a sprained right ring finger.

ROUTINE PLAY

Nova advanced Max Moroff to second base in the second with a sacrifice. Reds first baseman Joey Votto had a play at second, but his high throw pulled shortstop Jose Peraza off the bag. Peraza still had time to throw Nova out at first, completing a 3-6-4 sacrifice.

SIX-MAN ROTATION

Riggleman announced right-hander Sal Romano (5-8) will start Wednesday's game against St. Louis, one day after Homer Bailey comes off the disabled list to start on Tuesday and giving the Reds a six-man starting rotation.

UP NEXT

Pirates: RHP Trevor Williams (7-7) starts Monday at AL Central-leading Cleveland. Williams is 4-1 in seven career interleague starts, including 2-0 in three starts this season. Corey Kluber (12-5) pitches for the Indians.

Reds: RHP Luis Castillo (5-8) pitches on Monday night against visiting St. Louis. DAYTON DAILY NEWS Harvey delivers worst performance since joining Reds rotation Harvey allows four home runs after not giving up a home run in six previous starts By David Jablonski July 22, 2018

CINCINNATI — In his second-to-last start before the trade deadline, Matt Harvey delivered his worst performance since joining the Cincinnati Reds.

Harvey allowed eight earned runs in 3 2/3 innings Sunday against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park as the Reds tried to avoid a three-game sweep. He left the game after facing three batters in the fourth.

Six runs scored against Harvey on four home runs, the most Harvey has allowed in a game in his career. The Reds trailed 8-0 after the fourth.

The trade deadline is July 31, and Harvey is expected to be a popular name in trade talks.

Despite this start, Harvey has pitched well for the Reds. In his last four starts, he was 4-0 with a 1.86 ERA. In his last five starts, he had allowed a total of six earned runs and no home runs. He had not allowed a home run since giving up three against the Cardinals on June 6.

Before the game, interim manager Jim Riggleman said Harvey was enjoying pitching in Cincinnati and not allowing trade talks to bother him.

“I think he likes it here,” Riggleman said. “His performance indicates he’s getting better and better. We hope he stays here. We’re fortunate to have him. It was a great acquisition for our front office to get him.”

Riggleman hopes the Reds don’t trade Harvey and said he hasn’t seen any indication they will.

“As good as we’ve seen Matt, I think he’s just getting healthier and healthier,” Riggleman said. “You may even see a healthier guy next year.”

Harvey gave up a two-run home run to Gregory Polanco in the first, back-to-back home runs to Corey Dickerson and Starling Marte in the second and a solo home run to Sean Rodriguez in the fourth inning.

Harvey’s ERA jumped from 4.63 to 5.21. This was the first time he failed to last four innings in 13 starts with the Reds.

McCoy: Bailey’s return crowds Reds’ rotation -- for now By Hal McCoy July 22, 2018

CINCINNATI — A long, lanky Texan wearing blue jeans and cowboy boots walked into the Cincinnati Reds clubhouse Sunday morning, a long suit bag draped over his right shoulder.

“Hey, H.B., did I leave you enough parking space?” Scooter Gennett yelled as Homer Bailey settled into his dressing cubicle. Bailey drives a large pick-up truck, Texas-style, and Gennett feared he didn’t leave Bailey enough room for Bailey in his players’ parking lot spot.

“Homer Bailey is in the house,” said Jared Hughes, a large grin plastered across his face. “Welcome back, partner.”

Yes, Homer Bailey returned Sunday from his long rehab assignment at Class AAA Louisville and he takes a turn in the rotation Tuesday night against the St. Louis Cardinals.

So who drops out of the rotation? Nobody. It was suspected that Sal Romano would be the odd man out, but Romano is scheduled to start Wednesday night.

What that means is that for the immediate future, at least until the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, the Cincinnati Reds are in a six-man rotation.

“We only have about eight days until the trade deadline, so the six-man would only mean about 1 1/2 turns through the rotation,” said manager Jim Riggleman.

Most assume that starter Matt Harvey will be traded and the Reds can slip back into the routine of a normal five-man rotation.

But what if Harvey isn’t traded — and Riggleman said he’d love to keep the veteran pitcher in the rotation -- “I don’t think we’d stay in the six-man for very long.

“This will be a little bit of a challenge and we’ll see how that works out,” said Riggleman. “With one less arm in the bullpen, we’ll see if that puts too much strain on the bullpen. If it does we won’t be able to stay with that six-man plan.”

If Harvey is traded, the rotation makeup is easy. If Harvey stays, things become jumbled. “We go back to five if Harvey is traded. If he isn’t traded? I have no indication that he will be traded, no indication at all. But we won’t stay in a six-man for a long period unless we run into a long period of no off days and those guys are giving us six innings. If they’re not, that’s another big strain on the bullpen,” said Riggleman.

Riggleman, of course, would love to conintue to see Harvey in a Reds uniform every five days, but that is up to the front office. Harvey refuses to talk about his past with the and with what his future might be. He has indicated that he loves Cincinnati and loves the Reds and loves the way the players have accepted him.

“Based on his comments, he is enjoying pitching here in Cincinnati,” said Riggleman. “He’ll let it play out to whatever he does, but he likes it here and his performance indicates that he is getting better and better.

“We hope he stays here,” said Riggleman, and the ‘we’ means himself and the coaching staff and the players. “We’re fortunate to have him and it was a great acquisition by our front office to get him.

“I have a lot of hope that he will not be traded, but as far as something to be worked out (a contract extension with the Reds), that’s something between him and his agent and Nick Krall, Dick Williams, Walt Jocketty and Mr. (Bob) Castellini. They all deal with part of the issue.

“Cincinnati has been good for him, but the big thing is that he is getting healty,” Riggleman added. “Those two operations he went through, well, the second one was particularly devastating with a long recovery period. As good as we’ve seen Matt I just think he is getting healthier and healthier. We’ll probably see an even healthier guy next year.”

On July 18, 2016, Harvey underwent something called thoracic outlet surgery that required removal of a rib to relieve pressure on his pitching arm. Harvey was experience numbness in his pitching arm. The recovery process was long and arduous and he spent most of 2017 shaking off the residue.

Now he says that is all behind him, that is why he didn’t pitch well in his latter days with the Mets, but now he is pitching 100 per cent healthy. He would be a much-needed presence in the Reds rotation, but he also could be a push-them-over-the-top pitcher for a contender in need of a starter.

Riggleman said Bailey has no limitations, no pitch counts or number of innings hovering over his head for his Tuesday start.

“He has been stretched out to seven innings and used numerous pitches,” said Riggleman. “But in today’s world, any time we get to 110 pitches, we’re thinking we’re getting close to the end. But hopefully, he’ll get that far.”

Riggleman confirms Reds will use six-man starting rotation Romano will stay in rotation when Bailey returns to action Tuesday By David Jablonski July 22, 2018

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Reds will use a six-man starting pitching rotation at least until the trade deadline July 31, though interim manager Jim Riggleman hopes the Reds hang onto Matt Harvey, the player most likely to be dealt.

“I’ve got no indication that he’s going to be traded,” Riggleman said Sunday.

Harvey (5-5, 4.63 ERA) makes his 13th start with the Reds on Sunday, facing the Pittsburgh Pirates in the finale of a three-game series at Great American Ball Park. He would make one more start with the Reds if he stays with the team until the trade deadline.

Entering Sunday, the only question with the rotation was who would start Wednesday against the St. Louis Cardinals after Homer Bailey (1-7, 6.68) returns to the rotation Tuesday. Riggleman confirmed that starter will be Sal Romano (5-8, 5.19).

“If we absolutely need (Romano) today in the bullpen,” Riggleman said, “he would pitch today, but we would really try to limit that and see if he would then be able to pitch Wednesday as a starter.”

The six-man rotation could test the bullpen if the Reds stick with it for long because it means the Reds will have one fewer reliever than normal.

“We would not say with six for a long period of time,” Riggleman said. “I guess we could if we run into a period of very few off days and those guys are giving us six innings because if they’re not then we’re really putting a strain on the bullpen.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS Dickerson homers again as Pirates sweep Reds with 9-2 win Yesterday

CINCINNATI (AP) — Corey Dickerson and the Pittsburgh Pirates are so hot even Ivan Nova is contributing at the plate.

Dickerson homered for the fourth time in three days, and the Pirates beat the Cincinnati Reds 9-2 on Sunday for their ninth straight victory.

Dickerson and Starling Marte hit consecutive homers off Matt Harvey during Pittsburgh’s four-run second. Dickerson’s two-run shot extended his homer streak to four straight games, becoming the first Pirate to accomplish the feat since Josh Harrison in 2014.

Dickerson went 4 for 5 and finished the series with 21 total bases, helping the Pirates outscore the Reds by a combined 27-5. Gregory Polanco and Sean Rodriguez also went deep as Pittsburgh completed its first sweep of the Reds since Sept. 27-29, 2013.

“The bats showed up,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “Really, everything did, but the offense was out in front of things. We did some damage early today.”

Harvey (5-6) was tagged for eight runs and eight hits in 3 2/3 innings. The right-hander is expected to be traded ahead of the July 31 non-waiver deadline.

Harvey hadn’t allowed a home run in six starts before surrendering four against the Pirates.

“When you don’t execute pitches and leave stuff over the middle of the plate, a hot team is going to make you pay,” he said. “I went back and looked at the tape. The slider wasn’t doing a whole lot, and the fastball was coming back over the plate.”

Last-place Cincinnati has lost four in a row for the first time since June 2-6.

“We came out of the break not firing on all cylinders,” Reds interim manager Jim Riggleman said. “It is disappointing, but there will be times in 162 games where you’re not firing on all cylinders. We have to push the reset button and get started tomorrow.”

Pittsburgh collected 15 hits in its 11th win in 12 games and moved two games above .500 for the first time since it was 30-28 on June 2. It’s the longest win streak for the Pirates since they also won nine in a row in June 2013.

Polanco’s two-run shot in the first landed deep in the right-field seats. He also drove in Dickerson with a single in the fourth, extending Pittsburgh’s lead to 8-0.

It was more than enough for Nova (6-6), who allowed two runs and five hits in 6 2/3 innings. The right-hander also singled off the wall in right-center in the sixth, stopping his hitless slide at 63 at-bats.

“Finally,” he said. “That’s one of the cooler moments I’ve had in baseball. Everybody was cheering for the base hit. Some of the guys asked me why I didn’t have a double, but I was OK with a base hit.”

Phillip Ervin had two hits and two RBIs for Cincinnati. Jose Peraza also had two of the Reds’ six hits.

KEEPING IT ALIVE

Marte extended his hitting streak to a career-high 15 games. It’s the majors’ longest active streak.

WHAT INJURY?

Nova improved to 4-1 with a 3.40 ERA in eight starts since coming off the disabled list on June 10. He had been sidelined by a sprained right ring finger.

ROUTINE PLAY

Nova advanced Max Moroff to second base in the second with a sacrifice. Reds first baseman Joey Votto had a play at second, but his high throw pulled shortstop Jose Peraza off the bag. Peraza still had time to throw Nova out at first, completing a 3-6-4 sacrifice.

SIX-MAN ROTATION

Riggleman announced right-hander Sal Romano (5-8) will start Wednesday’s game against St. Louis, one day after Homer Bailey comes off the disabled list to start on Tuesday and giving the Reds a six-man starting rotation.

UP NEXT

Pirates: RHP Trevor Williams (7-7) starts Monday at AL Central-leading Cleveland. Williams is 4-1 in seven career interleague starts, including 2-0 in three starts this season. Corey Kluber (12-5) pitches for the Indians.

Reds: RHP Luis Castillo (5-8) pitches on Monday night against visiting St. Louis. TRANSACTIONS 07/23/18 recalled LHP Adalberto Mejia from Rochester Red Wings. Minnesota Twins optioned RHP Alan Busenitz to Rochester Red Wings.

07/22/18 sent CF Danny Santana outright to Gwinnett Stripers. recalled RHP Yacksel Rios from Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Philadelphia Phillies placed RHP Edubray Ramos on the 10-day disabled list. Right patella tendon strain. recalled RHP from El Paso Chihuahuas. Philadelphia Phillies activated RHP Luis Garcia from the 10-day disabled list. New York Yankees recalled RHP from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. activated RHP . optioned RHP Koda Glover to Syracuse Chiefs. Washington Nationals reassigned RHP Koda Glover to the minor leagues. activated RHP Jim Johnson from the 10-day disabled list. Los Angeles Angels optioned RHP Taylor Cole to . activated RHP Antonio Senzatela from the 10-day disabled list. Colorado Rockies placed RHP German Marquez on the paternity list. optioned RHP Dillon Maples to Iowa Cubs. New York Mets recalled Paul Sewald from Las Vegas 51s. activated C Mike Zunino from the 10-day disabled list. Oakland Athletics optioned LHP Jeremy Bleich to Nashville Sounds. Washington Nationals recalled LHP Sammy Solis from Syracuse Chiefs. Washington Nationals traded LF Brian Goodwin to for RHP Jacob Condra-Bogan. San Diego Padres optioned Raffy Lopez to El Paso Chihuahuas. San Diego Padres recalled 3B Cory Spangenberg from El Paso Chihuahuas. optioned Justin Williams to . Tampa Bay Rays recalled SS Willy Adames from Durham Bulls. activated 2B Lourdes Gurriel Jr. from the 7-day disabled list. Toronto Blue Jays optioned Richard Urena to Buffalo Bisons. activated RHP Andrew Cashner from the 10-day disabled list. Baltimore Orioles optioned LHP Donnie Hart to . Minnesota Twins activated 1B Logan Morrison from the 10-day disabled list. Minnesota Twins optioned C Willians Astudillo to Rochester Red Wings. New York Yankees optioned RHP Domingo Acevedo to Trenton Thunder. Seattle Mariners optioned C David Freitas to Tacoma Rainiers.