Press Clippings April 16, 2015

THIS DAY IN REDS HISTORY 1934-The Reds Board of Directors change Redland Field to Crosley Field in honor of Powel Crosley, Jr., the new team owner.

CINCINNATI ENQUIRER Cubs top Reds in rubber match at Wrigley, 5-0 By John Fay / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected] / @Johnfayman

CHICAGO — It's been relief pitching that's been the problem for the Reds this year.

The starting had a combined 2.84 ERA going into Wednesday's game. They put up quality starts in six of their eight games. They pitched well enough that the Reds had a lead in all seven games.

The good streak ended with Jason Marquis' start Wednesday night in a 5-0 loss to the before a crowd of 29,250 at Wrigley Field. Marquis allowed five runs (four earned) in four innings. He walked three and struck out six.

"(Marquis) was up a little bit," Reds manager said. "He's got a really good , and he's been throwing kind of a split-finger change-up, which was a very key effective pitch for him. The key was getting ahead in the count and getting the sinker down and have them beat the ball into the ground."

Box score: Cubs 5, Reds 0

Former Reds left-hander went seven innings. He allowed three hits, walked two and struck out seven. The Reds only advanced two runners past first base against him.

Reds manager Bryan Price discusses his team's 5-0 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night at Wrigley Field.

"It was a tough combination," Price said. "We were down early and Woody was on. For me, it was as good as I've seen him since 2010, and we've seen him a lot. He's thrown the ball very well at times. That was as good as I've seen him throw since 2010 when he had a real nice season for us in Cincinnati."

The Reds were never really in the game after Marquis gave up two runs in and two runs in the second.

It was an all-around bad night for the Reds. They made two errors — as many as they had made in the previous eight games — and let a pop-up drop.

It was 45 degrees at game time. The wind chill was 36. Marquis said that did not affect him.

"I've pitched in weather like this before and had good results," he said.

The Reds have dropped two straight series since sweeping the in the opening series of the year. The Reds are 5-4 on the year. They are off Thursday. They open a three-game series in St. Louis on Friday.

"It would have been nice to come out with a series win," Marquis said. "We're still above .500. It's a long road trip. Take it one day at a time and attack each game with the same intensity. It's still early in the year. We're still finding our way, but no excuses. I think we'll be fine. We've got a good enough team to weather the storm and play good ."

Marquis, the veteran right-hander, struggled early for the second straight start. He gave up a lead-off to in the first. followed with a drive to right for his first home of the year, and it was 2-0.

"He was trying to come in on Rizzo and the ball ran out over the middle," Price said. "He just wasn't as sharp as he was before. He had good action on his ball. He just didn't command it as well."

Marquis got out of the first without further damage. But the second was an adventure.

Starlin Castro walked to start the inning. Arismendy Alcantara followed with a single. Marquis struck out Wood. Jonathan Herrera got Castro in with a single to right. Alcantara went to third on the play.

Marquis struck out Fowler for the second out. It was almost a . Herrera was running on the play and he just beat Brayan Pena's throw. The Reds went ahead and walked Rizzo intentionally to load the bases.

Marquis got ahead of Jorge Soler 1-2 before hitting him with a pitch to force in a run and make it 4-0.

"It's tough when you put your team in a hole like that," Marquis said. "I backed them into too big of a corner this time. I've got to do a better job of coming out and attacking the bottom half of the zone with my sinker.

"I want to work deeper in the game, take a load off the bullpen and give my team a better chance."

Marquis gave up three runs in the first two innings of his first start. He settled in after that and threw four scoreless innings.

This time he only lasted four innings. He gave up an unearned run in the fourth — the result of a Joey Votto error.

The Reds did not have a baserunner against Wood until Joey Votto walked with an out in the fourth. An out later, Brandon Phillips singled.

Wood retired 10 of 11 before allowing a single to Brayan Pena to start the eighth. After Zack Cozart walked, the Cubs brought in left-hander . He got Kristopher Negron, in the game as part of a double switch, to into a double play.

Pedro Villarreal pitched through pain during spring By John Fay / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected] / @Johnfayman

CHICAGO – The Reds made another roster move Wednesday.

They called up right-hander Pedro Villarreal and optioned RHP Josh Smith back to Louisville.

It may seem like a surprising move in light of Villarreal's spring numbers: He went nine innings and allowed 13 runs on 17 hits. But Villarreal had an excuse.

Villarreal slammed the ring finger of his right hand in the bullpen gate at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale during a game against the .

"I got my finger caught between the door of the bullpen and bullpen pole after warming up the ," he said. "Bad luck, I guess."

Villarreal, 27, went out and pitched two innings in the game.

"I just did it," he said. "I figured you're trying (to get on) a team – you can't make excuses."

"He lost the nail," Price said. "He tried to pitch through that ... You can imagine anyone who's lost a nail, it's constant throbbing pain."

Villarreal got some time between spring training and his first outing for Louisville for it to heal. He threw two scoreless innings in that outing – his only one for the Bats this year.

Villarreal was 0-2 with a 4.30 ERA in 12 games for the Reds last year.

Smith did not pitch in his two games with the Reds. He was called up largely because players on the 40-man roster were ineligible to be called up until Wednesday – unless the Reds put someone on the disabled list. That was behind Villarreal getting the call.

"Not only is Pedro a roster player," Price said, "he's a true relief . With as much as we've used the bullpen early in the season, it made sense to have a true in the 'pen."

PHILLIPS OK: Second baseman Brandon Phillips was back in the lineup Wednesday after leaving Tuesday's game after Chicago shortstop Starlin Castro fell on him trying to make a play at third base.

Phillips felt lightheaded after the incident, but he passed the concussion test.

"He came in feeling really good (Wednesday)," Price said. "I got a great report from (trainer) Paul Lessard. Our plan is go full steam ahead with him in the lineup hitting fourth and hopefully continue to swing the bat like he has so far in this series."

Phillips took a three-game hitting streak into Wednesday's game. He went 7-for-13 in those three games.

MESORACO UPDATE: Catcher Devin Mesoraco remained in Cincinnati Wednesday, rehabbing his sore left hip.

The Reds are still trying to avoid putting him on the DL. Mesoraco will be re-examined on Thursday's off day by medical director Dr. Tim Kremchek.

"There will be certain expectations on how he should feel after three or four days of rehab," Price said. "If there's not significant improvement, we'd have to look at different options. It does necessarily mean the DL, but it would mean we don't have him for a little longer."

Doc: should get toughest outs for Reds By Paul Daugherty / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected]

And on the Opening Day and every day thereafter, until the fields are barren and the sun is weak, the Lord sayeth, "Use thy only in the 9th inning.''

The Lord shall bless His children in their time of need, with a pitcher who can throw a baseball 95 miles an hour. But only for one inning. The Lord demand-eth, "One inning, and it shall be done.''

Not two innings. Not one inning, plus one third.

Nor the 8th inning. Nor the 7th.

Nor with a lead of more than three runs. Nor in any situation deemed -able, for Saving is a term popular with the Lord, to say nothing of player-agents.

And so it came to pass. The wise men in the baseball obeyed the Lord, fearful that any misuse of the Closer would be met by righteous and furious anger from the Heavenly Father, a huge Baseball Guy and a big fan of his fallen child, Peter Edward.

"My son should be in the Hall of Fame. Let ye without sin cast the first stone,'' offered the Lord. "But we digress-eth. . .''

Few dared break the Closer Commandments. They'd rather lose games than offend the Big Closer in the Sky. And so it was that Bryan Price, in the face of obvious tribulation, elected to pitch Kevin Gregg and Jumbo Diaz in the 8th inning. A sadness fell upon the land.

"Use Aroldis Chapman to get thy toughest outs!'' came the cry from the unwashed. "For the love of Goose, rethink the way you use your bullpen!''

The cries came also from thinking men, men wise in the use of numbers. They spoke logic. Wrote the learned Brian Kenny, for the online publication sportsonearth:

At some point, a manager will abandon the lazy, modern usage of the closer and utilize his bullpen properly, using his relief ace for the high-leverage spots, as early as the sixth inning, and using that pitcher for longer outings.

Yes! Yes! Put an end to the La Russ-ification of baseball that has predominated since the late 1980s. Banish the Closer commandments! Condemn to a life of inferno the shackles of definition: Eighth Inning Guy. Middle Inning Guy. Long Guy. LOOGY.

We ask: Who wants to go through life being a LOOGY?

Perish the need for "roles.'' Worry not, children, of the burden on the LOOGY asked to get more than one left-handed hitter out. He will survive. Roles?

Here's your role: Take the ball in relief. Get people out.

My colleague C.T. Rosecrans covers the Reds for money. That's his role. Occasionally in the baseball offseason, he is asked to write some stories about the Bengals. That's not his role. I haven't asked him, but I'm guessing the change-up isn't fatal.

When the merely mortal and nearly excommunicated Kevin Gregg – once a Closer, now a marginal 8th Inning Guy -- arrived to pitch the 8th on Tuesday night, the air was filled with locusts. And 9-Double Es, flying across family rooms, in the general direction of the TV.

"Holy (blaspheme!)'' shout-eth the flock. "What the (blaspheme!) is Price doing?''

And lo, Gregg, cursed like a leper, surrendered a mighty blow that cut the Reds lead to one. Now, thought-eth the masses, Price will come in with Chapman.

"No,'' sayeth the Lord.

"Thy will be done,'' offered-eth Price. Tony Cingrani entered the game. He allowed a hit and a walk. Two on, two out, one-run game, 8th inning. Left-handed batter coming up. Surely, now, the Closer Chapman shall arrive to restore peace to the land.

No. Cingrani.

"(Blaspheme!) (Blaspheme!)''

A majority of the time, a baseball game's biggest moment is not the start of the 9th, bases empty and possibly the bottom of the lineup coming up. A majority of the time, the Big Moment is earlier, in a dire situation, when only an out will do.

Chapman is almost unhittable. He is who you want when the game is tilting. Period, no excuses, no logic, no telling me about roles, or how hard it would be to get a guy warmed up in the 7th when he's used to pitching the 9th. Cry me a river.

Price is smart. He's not Old School. (Asking Dusty Baker to rethink bullpen strategy would be like asking cabernet to be riesling.) Price has shown he can adapt. He has Joey Votto hitting 2nd, which to this point has been a fabulous call. He's open to new ideas.

Here's one: Spread the goodness of Thy Closer throughout the late innings. Whenever his healing powers are needed most. Outs without end, Amen.

Thus endeth the lesson.

Day 89: Joey Jay, 1961 Reds' All-Star By Joel M. Beall / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected]

It is 100 days from 's Opening Day to this year's All-Star Game -- and it just so happens that there have been exactly 100 players who have represented the Reds at the Midsummer Classic. The Enquirer is counting down the days beginning April 5 to this year's game at on July 14 by profiling each of the previous Reds All-Stars.

Position: SP

All-Star Game appearances: 1 (1961)

ASG stats: Did not pitch in lone appearance

Reds' career: 6 seasons - 186 games, 75-63 record, 3.80 ERA, 1.31 WHIP

Memorable Reds moments: Member of 1961 pennant winners. Finished fifth in MVP voting in 1961. Won 21 games in consecutive seasons. Inducted into Reds Hall of Fame in 2008.

Will rest help Cincinnati Reds' bullpen? By John Fay / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected] / @Johnfayman

CHICAGO — While the bullpen again raised the collective blood pressure - along with the ire - of everyone out there in Redsland last night, there is some potential good news on the relief front.

Stop laughing. I'm serious. So what was that good news?

While Kevin Gregg made it four two-run homers in the eighth inning so far this season for the relief corps, most of the Reds' relievers got some needed rest. The Reds only used Gregg, Tony Cingrani and Aroldis Chapman. J.J. Hoover was only other reliever to warm up. Burke Badenhop, Manny Parra and Jumbo Diaz got a full day off.

Reds manager Bryan Price thinks early overuse has something to do with the struggles of the bullpen.

"Right now, I've asked a lot of these guys -- they've all pitched a lot with the extra innings and the rain delays and things of that nature," Price said Monday. "We should expect more as we move on into the season. I think we have enough talent here to be a lot more consistent than we have been."

Thursday is an off day, so the bullpen will go into the St. Louis series rested. If the bullpen isn't better in the St. Louis series, you'd think there'll be roster changes.

One note on that front: A lot of the talk here in Chicago is about super prospect . He did not make the team, despite hitting .425 with nine home runs this spring.

The reason is if the Cubs wait until Friday to call him up, it will delay his free agency by a year. According to the : "Friday is day 13 of the season, which means Bryant could at most accumulate 171 days or of major league service. Since 172 days counts as a year, keeping Bryant in the minor leagues through Thursday ensures Bryant could not be eligible for free agency until after the 2021 season."

The same would hold true for Michael Lorenzen. That's not to say the Reds are going to call up Lorenzen. But if they are, it makes sense to wait until at least Friday.

Lorenzen pitched well enough in the spring to make the team. Of all the young arms the Reds have in the minors, he's the best candidate to help right now.

So if that rest doesn't help the bullpen, it would not be shocking to see Lorenzen.

Day 90: Eddie Kasko, oldest living former Reds All-Star By Patrick Brennan / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected]

It is 100 days from Major League Baseball's Opening Day to this year's All-Star Game -- and it just so happens that there have been exactly 100 players who have represented the Reds at the Midsummer Classic. The Enquirer is counting down the days beginning April 5 to this year's game at Great American Ball Park on July 14 by profiling each of the previous Reds All-Stars.

Born: June 27, 1932.

Position: SS, 3B, 2B

All-Star Game appearances: Two (both as a SS in 1961, '62)

ASG stats: Did not appear in 1961 ASG. Went 1-for-1 at the plate as the National and American leagues ended the 1962 installment of the ASG in a 1-1 tie.

Reds career: Five seasons: 17 HR, 160 RBI, 258 R; .277/.329/.353 splits. A threat in the field, Kasko switched between shortstop, second base and third base in four of his five seasons in Cincinnati.

Memorable Reds moments: Kasko cracked 127 hits and drove in 27 runs to help Cincinnati take the 1961 NL pennant. Cincinnati lost to the in the 1961 , 4-1.

BAR: Why Reds and rest of MLB will be wearing No. 42 By C. Trent Rosecrans / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected] / @ctrent

Today's Day, and all across baseball we'll see everyone wearing No. 42.

While it seems like this has been going on for a while, it's easy to forget this started in 2007 with a phone call from Ken Griffey Jr. to .

Griffey wanted to wear No. 42 on April 15 to honor the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's debut, so he called the commissioner to ask if he could do it. After Griffey got permission from both Selig and Rachel Robinson, the opportunity opened up for anyone else who wanted to wear the number.

Griffey was the only Reds player to wear it that day at Wrigley Field along with six Cubs, but it started a movement. By 2009, all teams wore 42.

There have been those critical of the event, but every year I find it special. I tell this story annually, but several years ago, my dad was watching a game on April 15 and my niece noticed everyone wearing the same number and asked why. It gave my dad a chance to tell the Jackie Robinson story and share it all over again. I'm sure that happens at least once a year somewhere, and it's worth it.

MINOR LEAGUE ROUNDUP

Triple-A: Louisville 1, Columbus 0; Columbus 1, Louisville 0: SS Eugenio Suarez homered for the Bats' only run in the two games, while Jon Moscot threw 5.2 scoreless in the first game. David Holmberg gave up a run on three hits in 6 innings in Game 2, but got the L. C Tucker Barnhart was 2 for 4. [Box] [Box]

High-A: Charlotte 2, Daytona 0: Nick Travieso gave up two runs on four hits with five and four walks over 5.2 innings, but the Tortugas managed just two hits to back him. [Box]

Low-A: Dayton 3, South Bend 2: LF Jimmy Pickens was 0 for 4, but was the hero with his walk-off fielder's choice , scoring Aristides Aquino, who doubled to lead off the ninth in a tie game. Aquino advanced on Gavin LaValley's fly out and after a walk, Pickens grounded to first — but it was enough to score the speedy Aquino. [Box]

THE ROTATION

1. A map of some of the odd foodstuffs available at big league parks. None of these work on my diet, unfortunately. It's going to be tough this next week. [Esri]

2. Sad baseball news yesterday — Yasiel Puig is trying to cut down on his bat flips. This gives me all sorts of sads. [Los Angeles Times]

Luckily there's a cure — the KBO:

3. Why do so many NBA teams have a basketball in their logo? [Slate]

4. Worst job of 2015? Newspaper reporter. [CareerCast]

5. Not to out myself as a bigger dork than I already have, but I'm pretty excited to see that much of Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim will be live streamed, including the kickoff tomorrow with J.J. Abrams and Kathleen Kennedy. [StarWars.com]

DeSclafani lifts Reds to 3-2 win against Cubs By John Fay / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected] / @Johnfayman

The Reds had the Disco Ball working in the visitors' clubhouse in honor of winning pitcher Anthony "Disco" DeSclafani.

"It's two-for-one drink specials in there," Reds manager Bryan Price said.

The Reds could use a little levity after a 3-2 survival victory Tuesday before a crowd of 27,525 at Wrigley Field.

The eighth inning was another tightrope walk, but the Reds managed not to fall off. The ninth was no picnic either. But the Reds won, snapping a three-game losing streak.

"At the end of the day, you've got to win games," Price said. "It was a little more dramatic than we had hoped. But we've got to stockpile some wins after back-to-back tough losses. A win right there, I think that was a nice salve for us."

Reds manager Bryan Price discusses the Reds' 3-2 win against the Cubs on Tuesday night at Wrigley Field.

DeSclafani, the 24-year-old rookie right-hander, was brilliant in his second start for the Reds. He went seven shutout innings and allowed only two hits. The outing was the longest of his career. He walked two and struck out five. He threw 97 pitches, 60 of which were strikes.

"Here's a rookie coming in with us on a three-game skid," Price said. "We let some leads get away. That can chip away at your confidence. He gave us what we had to have."

It was the first win by a Reds' starter this year.

DeSclafani, obtained in the offseason from Miami in the deal, rated it as his best outing ever. He went right at the Cubs, who have been swinging the bats well, mixing 94 mph fastballs with hard sliders.

"That's something that helps me cope with nerves — attacking the zone, attacking hitters," he said. "That's something that helps me every time I go out there. It helps me mentally to calm myself down."

The Reds are working on getting DeSclafani to enjoy his success a bit.

"He's too serious," catcher Brayan Pena said. "They put him next to me, trying to get him to smile a little bit more. He threw almost a in my opinion. He's still very serious. I'm like, 'Come on, man, relax. You just won a game.'"

The real drama came after DeSclafani left. The Reds went with Kevin Gregg for the eighth. Gregg started the season as the eighth- inning guy and then lost the job to Jumbo Diaz. Diaz apparently lost it back by giving up game-tying, two-run homers in what turned out to be losses on Sunday and Monday.

Gregg walked pinch-hitter Matt Szczur to start the eighth. Welington Castillo hit the next pitch into the net to make it 3-2.

"It's just location," Price said. "Even Szczur — he hits the long one to left foul — it wasn't like it was the wrong pitch. It was a fastball in the middle of the plate up. Those are the balls that get elevated. In this park, that's not a good idea. He has to work down in the zone."

Gregg got pinch-hitter Mike Olt. Gregg struck out Dexter Fowler.

The Reds went with Tony Cingrani to face Anthony Rizzo to get the left-on-left match-up. Rizzo singled, bringing out Monday's hero for the Cubs, Jorge Soler. Cingrani walked him on four pitches.

But Cingrani struck out to leave the runners on.

That got the lead to closer Aroldis Chapman. Chapman gave up a lead-off single to Starlin Castro. Chapman got an out, then walked Szczur, putting the tying run at second. But Chapman struck out pinch-hitter and Olt to end it and record his third save in his sixth appearance of the season.

"It was a battle to get through the eighth," Price said. "Chapman survived the ninth. And we came out with a win."

Cubs starter went 6 2/3 innings and allowed three runs on seven hits. He walked one and struck out five.

Arrieta retired the first nine he faced. That had to give the Reds some bad flashbacks from last year. Arrieta retired the first 18 batters in his start against the Reds on June 24. He took a no-hitter into the eighth in a start against the Reds on Sept. 16.

Billy Hamilton broke the string with a lead-off single in the fourth. Hamilton stole second on the first pitch to Joey Votto. That made Hamilton 8-for-8 on stolen bases for the year.

Votto singled to get Hamilton in. After a Todd Frazier fielder's choice, Brandon Phillips singled.

Jay Bruce singled Frazier in. Phillips saw that third base was uncovered. He beat shortstop Castro to the bag. Bruce, however, was caught in a rundown after straying too far off first. Phillips was shaken up on the play — Castro fell on him awkwardly — but stayed in the game. Marlon Byrd lined one into left to get Phillips in and make it 3-0.

"We're able to string some hits together and put together that three-run inning," Price said. "Other than that, we didn't have them on the ropes a whole lot. That played really big for us."

Phillips made a nice diving play in the bottom of the inning to get Fowler. But Phillips was lifted in the bottom of the fifth. The Reds announced that Phillips was "lightheaded" after the collision.

Price described it as a "whiplash type of event." Phillips passed the concussion test after being removed from the game. He may be able to play as soon as Wednesday.

DeSclafani did not allow a hit until Soler singled with two outs in the fourth.

The Cubs did not put a runner in until the sixth. Fowler reached on an infield single. But Rizzo flied to center. Then, after Fowler stole second, DeSclafani struck out Soler to strand him.

Price considered going with DeSclafani for the eighth.

"I think he could've," Price said. "But two things: The kid had done his job. He's a rookie. He'll get plenty of chances if he's throwing like that to pitch into the eighth and ninth inning. I did not want to present the bullpen where (the Cubs) were starting to get some momentum."

As it turned out, the Cubs generated some momentum on their own, but the Reds survived.

Doc's TML: Aroldis Chapman should pitch 8th for Reds By Paul Daugherty / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected]

I think we can all agree it's time for Kevin Gregg to take a nap, can't we?

A Rip Van Winkle-type doze would be good. See ya next March. In another uni.

The TM's J. Fay didn't ask B. Price why he used Gregg to begin the 8th inning last night. Maybe since Gregg's forte is allowing 2- run homers, Price felt safe using him in a 3-run game. Here's what Price did say:

"It's just location," Price said. "Even Szczur — he hits the long one to left foul — it wasn't like it was the wrong pitch. It was a fastball in the middle of the plate up. Those are the balls that get elevated. In this park, that's not a good idea. He has to work down in the zone."

No doubt he has work to do. Why here? Why now?

I don't worry about a pitcher's confidence as much as Price seems to. The manager believes yanking a guy from a "role'' after just a couple flubs will lead to the guy doubting himself.

Does he not also doubt himself after allowing big hits game after game?

Relief pitching is high risk-reward. Gregg has been a reliever most of his 13-year career. He has 177 saves. He knows the mental drill. If I'm Price, I worry more about my job security that a pitcher's feelings.

While we're at it: Wasn't last night the perfect time to bust out Chappy with two outs in the 8th? Biggest moment of the game. Two on, two out, two in, one-run game, left-handed hitter at the plate. Price in the past has indicated a willingness to burn The Book. He rarely has followed through.

Thou shalt have a "closer''. Said "closer'' shall pitch the 9th inning, and no other time. He shall pitch the 9th in a "save situation''. If the game is tied in the 9th, he shall appear in home games, but not on the road.

I have said this several million times, ever since the legendary David Weathers was closing games, or trying to:

Use your best relief pitcher in the game's biggest moment.

That could come in the 7th, 8th, 9th. Had Price done that, the Reds very well could be 7-1 right now.

A majority of the time, the game's biggest moment is not starting the 9th, bases empty and possibly the bottom of the lineup coming up. A majority of the time, Big Moment is a dire situation, when only an out will do.

This notion of "roles'' is ridiculous. You pitch in relief. That is your role. Hitters get moved up and down the lineup, depending on matchups and performance. No worries. What's the difference?

CT Rosecrans covers the Reds for the Traditional Media. That's his "role''. When he doesn't, he helps out with the Bengals. I haven't asked him, but I'm guessing writing a few football tomes hasn't blasted his psyche.

Chappy is damned near unhittable. He is who you want when the game is tilting. Period, no excuses, no logic, no telling me about roles, or how hard it would be to get a guy warmed up in the 7th when he's used to pitching the 9th. Cry me a river.

It's time for some manager to think outside the proverbial box, to stray, finally, from the La Russa-fication of the game. You don't need a "seventh-inning guy'' or an "eighth-inning guy'' or a long guy, or a LOOGY, K? You just need guys who can throw strikes and get a batter or two out when they're called upon.

Bryan Price should be that manager. He's smart and tuned into pitchers and their needs. He's not Old School. (Asking DBaker to do this would be like asking cabernet to be Riesling.) Price has shown he can adapt. He has Votto hitting 2nd, which to this point has been a fabulous call. He's open to new ideas.

Cingrani made it all OK last night, barely. But Chappy should have pitched to Coghlan. Maybe baseball and agents can come up with a stat to measure (and thus reward) saves of more than an inning.

I feel so much better.

MLB.COM No. 42 jersey tribute began in 2007 with Griffey Then with Reds, Junior first player granted permission to wear Jackie Robinson's number By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com / [email protected] / @m_sheldon

CHICAGO -- It's become an expectation that all Major League uniformed personnel wear No. 42 to pay homage to the most- respected player to ever wear that number -- Jackie Robinson -- on the day baseball pauses to pay homage to the legendary pioneer of social change.

But the genesis of the 42 movement began in the days and weeks before the Reds and Cubs played on on April 15, 2007, at Wrigley Field. Then Cincinnati's , Ken Griffey Jr. asked then-Commissioner Bud Selig and Robinson's widow, Rachel, for permission to wear No. 42 on what was the 60th anniversary of Robinson breaking baseball's color barrier for the Dodgers.

"I just called Bud and asked him if I could do it," Griffey said back in 2007. "[Selig] made a couple of phone calls and said yeah. We had a good conversation. It was about me wearing it on that day, and only that day."

Rachel Robinson gave her approval, and not only did Selig like Griffey's idea, he encouraged other clubs to have their players wear No. 42 on Jackie Robinson Day. A couple of years later, every player on every club wore that number for one game only.

"He should be an inspiration not only to baseball players but to anyone who fights prejudice and hatred," Griffey said of Robinson at the time.

In that 2007 game, Griffey was the lone Red to wear 42, while six members of the Cubs also wore it. They stood together at home plate during the pregame ceremonies. Griffey also wore No. 42 once before with the Mariners, on the 50th anniversary of Robinson's historic debut.

It so happened that on Jackie Robinson Day on Wednesday, the Reds and Cubs were again meeting at Wrigley Field.

Reds left fielder Marlon Byrd certainly appreciated the yearly opportunity to don No. 42 for the tribute it represents.

"Being able to wear the number and you understand he's the reason I'm playing," Byrd said. "All the minorities in the game can say that, even Asian players. Without him, the game probably wouldn't have been integrated. Maybe at some point it would have happened, but it happened with him and he did it right. It's great that we can honor him like this."

Bats go cold, Marquis struggles in rubber match By Carrie Muskat and Mark Sheldon / MLB.com

CHICAGO -- Anthony Rizzo belted a two-run homer, his first of the season, in the first inning to back Travis Wood and lead the Cubs to a 5-0 victory Wednesday over the Reds and take the series.

Wood gave up three hits over seven-plus innings, retiring the first 10 batters faced before he walked Joey Votto with one out in the fourth. The Cubs now have won two of their first three series; they did not win their first series last year until May 2-4.

"It was a tough combination -- we were down early and Woody was on," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "That was as well as I've seen him, those first seven innings, since 2010, when he had a real nice year for us in Cincinnati." More >

Rizzo, who led Chicago last season with 32 home runs, connected off former Cubs pitcher Jason Marquis, who served up five runs (four earned) over four innings. With the loss, the Reds have dropped back-to-back series.

"Any time we can give our guys a lead in the first and let them go out and pound the , it's good," Rizzo said.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

Taking one for the team : Jorge Soler picked up his team-leading seventh RBI when he was hit on the left shoulder by a pitch from Marquis with the bases loaded in the second. The Cubs' rookie now has 27 RBIs in his first 31 career games. The only glitch Wednesday was the 45-degree cold, which prompted Soler to wear a balaclava over his head and face.

More hits for Phillips: Brandon Phillips, who left Tuesday's game feeling light-headed, was the first Red to notch a hit against Wood following Votto's walk in the fourth inning. Since moving to the cleanup spot with Devin Mesoraco out, Phillips has a four-game hitting streak following a 2-for-17 start to the season. He had another single in the ninth inning and all 11 of his hits this season have been singles.

QUOTABLE "You could sense it in Spring Training. It's a good group of guys, and very relaxed and very hungry at the same time. We need to feel this and keep feeling it and get everyone rallying behind us." -- Rizzo, on the different vibe in the clubhouse this year

"We're still above .500. It's a long road trip. We'll take one day at a time, attack each game with the same intensity, I think good things will happen. It's still early in the year and we're still finding our way. No excuses. I think we'll be fine. We have a good enough team to weather the storm, make adjustments and play some good baseball." -- Marquis, on the Reds' 5-4 record More >

SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Arismendy Alcantara struck out in the third, and he has fanned at least once in each of the Cubs' eight games. That's the longest such streak for a Cubs position player to open a season since 2010 (Aramis Ramirez: 10).

The Cubs have homered in five straight games, the first time since an 11-game stretch, Aug. 16-27, last season.

Wood has given up seven hits over 19 scoreless innings in his last three starts against the Reds, including two at the end of last season.

INJURY UPDATE

Cubs right-hander Neil Ramirez had to leave the game in the ninth after throwing three pitches, all balls, to leadoff man Votto. Manager said Ramirez had right shoulder discomfort and would be re-examined on Thursday. More >

WHAT'S NEXT

Reds: Following Thursday's off-day, the road trip resumes play on Friday with the start of a three-game series vs. the Cardinals. Ace will start the 8:15 p.m. ET opener against Michael Wacha. Cueto has not fared well historically at Busch Stadium, with a 5.80 ERA in nine career starts. If catcher Devin Mesoraco is ready, he could return after missing the Cubs' series with a sore left hip.

Cubs: After an off-day Thursday, the Cubs play host to the Padres for a three-game series at Wrigley Field. Jason Hammel starts Friday. The right-hander is 4-1 with a 2.35 ERA in seven career starts at Wrigley. The bigger question is who will start at third base. Mike Olt has been bothered by a sore right wrist after he was hit by a pitch on Saturday. The Cubs other option is top prospect Kris Bryant, who was swinging a hot bat at Triple-A Iowa. First pitch will be 1:20 p.m. CT.

Watch every out-of-market regular season game live on MLB.TV.

Marquis unable to recover as in season debut Reds' starter surrenders 2 runs in each of first 2 innings against Cubs By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com / [email protected] / @m_sheldon

CHICAGO -- Unlike his season debut on Friday against the Cardinals, Reds starter Jason Marquis could not make an adjustment or course correction vs. the Cubs after a shaky first couple of innings.

After Marquis and the Reds went down early, they stayed down for a 5-0 loss to Chicago to drop two of three in the series. Lasting only four innings, a season low for the Cincinnati rotation, Marquis gave up all five runs (four earned) on seven hits and three walks with six strikeouts.

"It's tough to put your team behind in a hole like that," Marquis said. "Unfortunately, I backed them into too big of a corner this time. I just have to do a better job of attacking the bottom half of the strike zone. I want to work deeper in the game, take a load off the bullpen and give my team a better chance."

In the St. Louis game, Marquis trailed 2-0 after two innings but recovered to retire 12 in a row for a six-inning quality start and no- decision before the Reds eventually won.

Two batters into Wednesday, the Cubs already had a 2-0 lead. Leadoff man Dexter Fowler slapped a double down the left-field line before Anthony Rizzo lifted an 89-mph fastball left over the heart of the plate. It exited Wrigley Field for a two-run to right field.

"Trying to come in on Rizzo, the ball ran back out over the middle, and he hit it out of the ballpark," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "He just wasn't as sharp as he was before. He had good action on his ball. He just didn't command it as well."

Eight Cubs batted in the bottom of the second inning following a leadoff walk to Starlin Castro. Jonathan Herrera's one-out single to right field added another run, and with the bases loaded and two outs, Marquis went up and in to hit Jorge Soler with a 1-2 pitch in the left shoulder to force home another run.

It was not a good time for Marquis to have a rough night. Cubs starter Travis Wood was sharp and retired his first nine in a row and allowed only three hits over his seven innings.

By the end of the third inning, Marquis already had 66 pitches during a blustery night in Chicago, where the wind chill had temperatures feeling like it was in the mid-30s. Marquis said he did not feel affected by the cold, however.

"I've pitched in weather like this before and had good results. That wasn't the case tonight," said Marquis, who earned a spot in the rotation as a non-roster player at Spring Training.

Marquis was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the top of the fifth, forcing an overworked bullpen to finish the final four innings. If there was one positive, Reds relievers Burke Badenhop, Manny Parra and Pedro Villarreal combined for four scoreless innings.

Reds recall reliever Villarreal after fingernail issue Price calls righty 'true' bullpen arm; Smith sent to Triple-A in corresponding move By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com / [email protected] / @m_sheldon

CHICAGO -- The Reds made another roster move involving their bullpen on Wednesday, when right-handed reliever Pedro Villarreal was recalled from Triple-A Louisville. To make room on the 25-man roster, right-hander Josh Smith was optioned to Louisville.

Smith, who did not get into a game after he was called up Monday, was not on the 40-man roster prior to the promotion. By rule, the club could not have called up a player on the 40-man roster without a disabled list move until 10 days into the season, which was Wednesday. Smith, 27, was a starting pitcher on hand to provide long relief, just in case.

"Not only is he a roster player, he's a true relief pitcher," Reds manager Bryan Price said of Villarreal. "I think with as much as we've used the bullpen the first week of the season, it makes sense to have a true relief pitcher in the 'pen should the case arrive where we need someone with more his background than Josh's."

Villarreal appeared in 12 games for the Reds last season and had some good showings. Although he had a 4.30 ERA, he left all 11 of his inherited baserunners stranded. But the results were poor as he competed for a bullpen spot in Spring Training. The 27-year- old had a 13.00 ERA in eight appearances, with 13 runs and 17 hits allowed, including three homers.

It turned out there was a partial reason behind the struggles. Before his third appearance of spring vs. the Rockies at Salt River Fields, Villarreal's right ring finger got slammed by the bullpen door and the fingernail fell off.

"Bad luck, I guess," Villarreal said.

Villarreal still pitched two innings in the game against Colorado and kept pitching the rest of spring until he got sent out.

"I figured if you're trying to make a team, you can't use an excuse," Villarreal said.

Villarreal gave up at least one run in each of his final seven appearances.

"You can imagine, anybody that's lost a nail, it's a constant, throbbing pain on his throwing hand," Price said. "To his credit, he found a way to continue to stay active and pitch, but certainly wasn't at his very best."

Villarreal, who worked two scoreless innings for Louisville on Saturday, had another good performance on Wednesday during the Reds' 5-0 loss to the Cubs. He worked another two scoreless innings in the seventh and eighth with one hit and one walk.

In another transaction, lefty reliever Ryan Dennick was claimed off waivers by the Dodgers. Dennick, who had an 11.57 ERA in eight games for Cincinnati last season, was designated for assignment Monday.

Reds, Cards meet again after 'dirty slide' talk By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com / [email protected] / @m_sheldon

Interesting subplots often surface when National League Central rivals like the Reds and Cardinals square off. There will be another one Friday night, when the teams open a three-game series at Busch Stadium.

Just after the Cardinals notched their second win in three games Sunday at Great American Ball Park, Reds manager Bryan Price complained that St. Louis right fielder made "a dirty slide" into third baseman Todd Frazier trying for a triple. The comments caught the Cardinals by surprise, and Price also indicated there could be a response from his team because of that play.

Reds ace Johnny Cueto will start the series opener against Michael Wacha.

THINGS TO KNOW IN THIS GAME

1. The Reds are 1-20-1 in their last 22 series played at St. Louis, with the Cardinals taking the last eight in a row.

2. Wacha has made more starts against the Reds than any other team in the Majors and has had impressive success against them. He's allowed two or fewer runs in five of his six starts against Cincinnati and has posted an overall ERA of 2.15.

3. Cueto has not historically fared well at Busch Stadium, where his 5.80 ERA in nine games is his worst in any ballpark where he has at least 10 .

4. Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco (sore left hip) missed all three games in Chicago and could return for the start of this series. Mesoraco is listed as day to day.

FOXSPORTSOHIO.COM Reds recall Villarreal, option Smith to Louisville By Kevin Goheen / FOX Sports Ohio

The Reds continued maneuvering their bullpen pieces Wednesday when they recalled right-hander Pedro Villarreal from Triple-A Louisville and optioned Josh Smith back to Louisville. The Reds purchased Smith's contract from the Bats on Monday and had him in uniform for their first two games against the Cubs but he wasn't used in either as the teams have split their first series of the season at Wrigley Field.

Villarreal, 27, is in his eighth season in the Reds organization since being picked in the seventh round of the in 2007. He's been called up each of the last three seasons, making a total of 15 appearances with one start totaling 21 1/3 innings. Villarreal had pitched in one game this season for Louisville, tossing two scoreless innings.

The Reds' bullpen is ranked last in the National League with an ERA of 5.26 in the second week of the season and already have three blown saves. The trio of closer Aroldis Chapman, right-hander J.J. Hoover and left-hander Tony Cingrani have allowed a combined one run on seven hits with 17 strikeouts in 17 2/3 innings, but Manny Parra, Kevin Gregg, Burke Badenhop and Jumbo Diaz have allowed 14 runs on 20 hits in a combined 12 innings of relief work.

Chapman has worked in six of the first eight games for the Reds this season, while everyone in the bullpen has made at least three appearances. The Reds have an off-day on Thursday before starting a three-game weekend series in St. Louis against the Cardinals.

One reliever who won't be back in the fold is left-hander Ryan Dennick. He was claimed on waivers by the Wednesday. The Reds had designated Dennick for assignment on Monday, along with right-hander Daniel Corcino, to make room for Smith and catcher on the 40-man roster.

Nuxhall's legacy living on with college tournament By Kevin Goheen / FOX Sports Ohio

CINCINNATI -- Danny Hayden is like so many children of Cincinnati. He grew up listening to Joe Nuxhall call Reds games on radio. Hayden played in high school at McNicholas on Cincinnati's east side and then in college at both Miami and Xavier. He's now in his second season as the head coach at Miami.

"It's funny but I think it's a little bit of the legacy of Joe Nuxhall that we've got guys on our team that probably who have forgotten who Chris Sabo is or somebody like that who I grew up idolizing," said Hayden, "but say 'Joe Nuxhall', who hasn't played baseball in however long it's been, and people still know his name."

Nuxy is hard to forget, even seven years after his passing.

This is the seventh season the baseball programs at Miami, Xavier, Wright State and Cincinnati have honored Nuxhall's name and legacy by playing in the Joe Nuxhall Classic. This year's two-day tournament is being hosted by UC and got underway Tuesday at Marge Schott Stadium. Wright State beat Miami in Tuesday's first game, 7-3, while UC freshman pitcher Tristan Hammans threw a shutout in his first career start, retiring the final 11 Xavier batters and 16 of the final 17 he faced in a 4-0 win for the Bearcats in the nightcap.

Xavier and Miami will play at 3 p.m. Wednesday, while UC and Wright State play at 7 p.m. in this year's championship game.

This tournament goes beyond who wins its trophy.

"I want people to know that there is very good baseball being played in not just this city but between Cincinnati and Dayton, and this is amateur baseball at its highest level," said UC coach Ty Neal. "It's exciting. When you're talking about amateur baseball you're talking about a bunch of hungry 18-to-22 year olds who are chasing a dream."

Nuxhall knew about dreams. He is the youngest player ever in Major League Baseball history, signing his first contract in 1944 at the age of 15 and pitching in a game for the first time that June. His playing career ended after the 1966 season and he got into broadcasting a year later. His first broadcasting job was at Miami.

"It would have been something he would've been really touched by," said Kim Nuxhall, Joe's son and the director of the Joe Nuxhall Character Education Fund.

Kim Nuxhall threw out a ceremonial first pitch prior to the UC-Xavier game after all four teams lined the base paths to honor his father's legacy, which was a combination of baseball and academics.

"I don't know if it's a regret he had but he was never able to go to college and I think his experience with Miami University, working with the university and being around the kids, sometimes I think he wishes he had been able to go to college," said Kim Nuxhall. "He would have very touched by this. He always preached to everyone to Plan B. Not everyone can play in the major leagues. What's Plan B? That's college to me."

Wright State is having the best season on the field of the four teams. The Raiders improved to 23-10 with their win against Miami, which is struggling at 6-25 after winning the MAC East last season. Xavier is coming off a season in which it reached the NCAA tournament but the Musketeers' loss Tuesday was their 11th in a row as they fell to 8-26. UC improved to 12-22 after winning for the sixth time in its last eight games.

All four coaches -- Hayden of Miami, Neal of UC, Greg Lovelady of Wright State and Scott Googins of Xavier -- said the potential for their programs to grow and excel is high because of the fertile baseball area they're located.

"When you get into areas like Cincinnati, I just think it's a huge metropolitan area for baseball," said Lovelady, who grew up in Miami, Florida, and played at the , one of college baseball's premier programs. He was an assistant to Ron Cooper at Wright State for nine seasons before taking over last year.

Xavier's Rylan Bannon tags Cincinnati's R.J. Thompson on a steal attempt at second base.

"I don't think you see that much except in some very big cities like Miami or Atlanta. When you talk about cities that produce some of the greatest high school baseball I think this is one of them," said Lovelady. "I think that's a huge advantage for us."

The Joe Nuxhall Classic is a way for these college programs to promote themselves and amateur baseball as a whole in the area. It's also a way to honor the memory of one of the most beloved men ever to call Southwest Ohio his home.

"I'm a little bit older and back when I grew up all you could do was listen to Marty and Joe, or had the Game of the Week on Saturdays so maybe you got to see the Reds once a week," said Googins. "This tournament is a great way to honor him. I met Joe several times. He was a great announcer, but an unbelievable human being. He was very generous with his time. It's an honor to play in this tournament."

ASSOCIATED PRESS Marquis' rough beginning leads to 5-0 loss By Brian Sandalow / The Associated Press

CHICAGO —

This time, Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Jason Marquis couldn't recover from a tough opening.

Marquis was in trouble from the outset, allowing five runs, four earned, on seven hits in four innings in the Cincinnati Reds' 5-0 loss Wednesday night to the Chicago Cubs. During his first start, a 5-4 Reds win over the St. Louis Cardinals on April 10, Marquis (0-1) gave up three runs over the first two innings but recovered to last six innings.

He wasn't able to do that against the Cubs as Cincinnati lost for the fourth time in five games.

"He just wasn't as sharp as he was before," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "He had good action on his ball, he just didn't command it as well."

Leadoff hitter Dexter Fowler began the bottom of the first with a double and the next batter, Anthony Rizzo, homered into the right- field bleachers that are still under construction for a 2-0 lead.

The Cubs added two more in the second. Jonathan Herrera singled in a run and the other run scored when Jorge Soler, after Rizzo was intentionally walked, was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.

The Cubs stretched the lead to 5-0 in the fourth on a bases-loaded sacrifice fly by .

"It's tough putting the team (in) a hole like that," Marquis said. "Unfortunately backed into too big of a corner this time."

That support was plenty for former Reds pitcher Travis Wood (1-1), who retired the first 10 batters and allowed only one runner to reach second base in the first seven innings.

"As pitchers go, you could kind of label him as a dirtbag," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "I kind of love that phrase when you're talking about a good baseball player."

Wood walked two and struck out seven, helping the Cubs win two of three games in the series and move back into first place in the National League Central.

"It was a good one tonight," Wood said. "I was able to keep them off-balance, get some early outs, pound the zone and go deep in the ballgame. Our offense did their job and scored some runs early."

Marquis couldn't match Wood, extending the Reds' recent struggles. Marquis, however, was confident the Reds would recover.

"We've got a good enough team to weather the storm and make adjustments and play some good baseball," Marquis said.

ALL ABOUT BRYANT

Maddon said he hasn't been given a date for when prized prospect Kris Bryant will make his major-league debut. Maddon said the decision about where Bryant will play — either third base or left field — will be his call, but "I definitely like to accumulate data."

A NEEDED BREATHER

The season isn't two weeks old but Price thinks Thursday's day off will be good for the Reds, who have dealt with rain delays and a lot of work from their bullpen. "I think it's good timing," Price said.

MOVES

Cincinnati recalled RHP Pedro Villarreal from Triple-A Louisville and optioned RHP Josh Smith to Triple-A.

TRAINER'S ROOM

REDS: RHP Homer Bailey (right forearm) threw a bullpen session and is expected to start Saturday against the St. Louis Cardinals. ... C Devin Mesoraco (left hip) remained in Cincinnati and missed his third consecutive game. Price said the team would evaluate him Thursday and didn't rule out putting the catcher on the disabled list. ... One night after leaving due to "lightheadedness," 2B Brandon Phillips was in the Reds lineup.

CUBS: 3B Mike Olt (right wrist) didn't start. He was hit by a pitch last weekend against the Colorado Rockies. ... RHP Neil Ramirez left in the ninth with right shoulder discomfort.

UP NEXT

Reds: start a three-game series Friday in St. Louis. Johnny Cueto (0-1, 0.64) faces Michael Wacha (1-0, 1.42) and a Cardinals team that he allowed five earned runs to in 20 innings last year.

Cubs: start a series Friday against San Diego. Jason Hammel (1-0, 4.50) faces San Diego's James Shields (1-0, 2.08), who pitched for Maddon in Tampa Bay.

Wood, Rizzo power Cubs past Reds, 5-0 By John Jackson / The Associated Press

CHICAGO —

Two years ago, Travis Wood was an All-Star. This year, he's a pitcher looking to return that form following a rough 2014 season.

"This game will always sneak up and find a way to bite ya," Wood said. "I had that pretty much all last year. Now I just try to go with each start and take it pitch by pitch."

That approach worked beautifully Wednesday night.

Wood pitched three-hit ball into the eighth inning and Anthony Rizzo hit his first home run of the season, leading the Chicago Cubs to a 5-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

The Cubs (5-3) won two of three games in the series and moved back into first place in the National League Central.

Wood (1-1) walked two and struck out seven. It was a nice bounce-back from his first start of the season in Colorado where he yielded three runs on seven hits in 4 2-3 innings — and his 2014 campaign when he was 8-13 with a 5.03 ERA.

New Cubs manager Joe Maddon didn't see the 2014 version of Wood up close, but likes what he sees now.

"He's different, man," Maddon said. "As pitchers go, you could kind of label him as a dirtbag. I kind of love that phrase when you're talking about a good baseball player. He is that. No excuses, ready to go. 'Give me the ball, I'm fine.'"

Cincinnati starter Jason Marquis (0-1) was in trouble from the outset, allowing five runs —four earned — on seven hits in four innings.

"He just wasn't as sharp as he was before," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "He had good action on his ball, he just didn't command it as well."

The Cubs have had a knack for scoring late so far this season, but wasted no time jumping on top in this one. Leadoff hitter Dexter Fowler began the bottom of the first with a double and trotted home as the next batter, Rizzo, homered into the right-field bleachers that are still under construction for a 2-0 lead.

The Cubs added two more in the second. Jonathan Herrera singled in a run and the other run scored when Jorge Soler — after Rizzo was intentionally walked — was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.

The Cubs stretched the lead to 5-0 in the fourth on a bases-loaded sacrifice fly by Miguel Montero.

TRAINER'S ROOM

REDS: RHP Homer Bailey (right forearm) threw a bullpen session and is expected to start Saturday against the St. Louis Cardinals. ... C Devin Mesoraco (left hip) remained in Cincinnati and missed his third consecutive game. Reds manager Bryan Price said the team would evaluate him Thursday and didn't rule out putting the catcher on the disabled list. ... One night after leaving due to "lightheadedness," 2B Brandon Phillips was in the Reds lineup.

CUBS: RHP Neil Ramirez left the game with an injury after throwing just three pitches in the ninth... 3B Mike Olt (right wrist) didn't start. He was hit by a pitch last weekend against the Colorado Rockies.

ALL ABOUT BRYANT

Maddon said he hasn't been given a date for the call-up of prized prospect Kris Bryant. Maddon said the decision about where Bryant will play — either third base or left field — will be his call but "I definitely like to accumulate data."

UP NEXT

Reds: Start a three-game series Friday in St. Louis. Johnny Cueto (0-1, 0.64) faces Michael Wacha (1-0, 1.42) and a Cardinals team that he has allowed five earned runs to in 20 innings last season.

Cubs: Starting a series Friday against the . Jason Hammel (1-0, 4.50) faces San Diego's James Shields (1-0, 2.08), who pitched for Cubs manager Joe Maddon in Tampa Bay.

Bailey throws bullpen, Mesoraco out again for Reds By The Associated Press

CHICAGO —

Homer Bailey has moved closer to a return to the Reds' rotation, but Devin Mesoraco is out of Cincinnati's lineup for a third straight game because of a left hip injury and could be headed to the disabled list.

The Reds are playing short-handed against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night with Mesoraco back in Cincinnati for rehabilitation. Manager Bryan Price didn't rule out putting Mesoraco on the DL. The All-Star catcher will be reevaluated Thursday.

"I'm sure that there would be certain expectations on how he feels after three or four days of rehab," Price said. "There's an expectation on how he should feel and if there's not significant improvement then I think we'd have to look at different options."

Mesoraco, who is hitting .095 in six games, was replaced in the order by Brayan Pena.

Bailey had a bullpen session and is expected to make his season debut Saturday against the St. Louis Cardinals. The right-hander had surgery to repair the torn flexor tendon in his pitching forearm on Sept. 5 and started this season on the disabled list.

Cincinnati also recalled RHP Pedro Villarreal from Triple-A Louisville and optioned RHP Josh Smith to Triple-A.

Reds' Devin Mesoraco getting MRI on ailing left hip By The Associated Press

CHICAGO -- Cincinnati Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco is out of the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Chicago Cubs because of an ailing left hip.

Reds manager Bryan Price said Mesoraco is sore but there is not any thought of a disabled list stint "at this point." Mesoraco remained in Cincinnati for MRI.

"I think they have way better facilities than you're going to find in a visiting clubhouse, as far as contributing to his rehab," Price said.

Brayan Pena was in the Cincinnati lineup in place of Mesoraco, a 2014 All-Star who is hitting .095 (2 for 21) with no RBIs.

Outfielder Billy Hamilton, who has a sore finger, was back in the starting lineup after being rested for Monday's game.

Price said right-hander Homer Bailey is to throw a bullpen session Wednesday and is scheduled to make his season debut Saturday against St. Louis. Bailey did not pitch after Aug. 7 last season is recovering from surgery on Sept. 5 to repair a torn flexor tendon in his right arm.

TRANSACTIONS Date Transaction 04/16/15 activated RHP David Phelps from the paternity list. Miami Marlins optioned Carter Capps to New Orleans Zephyrs. optioned to Round Rock Express. 04/15/15 placed RHP Craig Stammen on the 15-day disabled list. Right forearm stiffness transferred LHP Tyler Skaggs from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list. Recovering from August 2014 Tommy John surgery placed 3B David Wright on the 15-day disabled list. Mild strain of the right hamstring Los Angeles Dodgers designated LHP David Huff for assignment. Texas Rangers optioned Phil Klein to Round Rock Express. Los Angeles Angels optioned Drew Rucinski to Salt Lake Bees. New York Yankees optioned Joel De La Cruz to Trenton Thunder. optioned Kirby Yates to . Cincinnati Reds optioned Josh Smith to Louisville Bats. optioned A.J. Schugel to Reno Aces. Los Angeles Dodgers optioned Ryan Dennick to Tulsa Drillers. Texas Rangers sent Sam Freeman outright to Round Rock Express. New York Yankees sent outright to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. sent Shaun Marcum outright to Columbus Clippers. Los Angeles Dodgers claimed LHP Ryan Dennick off waivers from Cincinnati Reds. Los Angeles Angels selected the contract of LHP Adam Wilk from Salt Lake Bees. Cincinnati Reds recalled RHP Pedro Villarreal from Louisville Bats. Texas Rangers recalled Anthony Ranaudo from Round Rock Express. Arizona Diamondbacks recalled LF Yasmany Tomas from Reno Aces. Washington Nationals recalled RHP Taylor Jordan from Syracuse Chiefs. Tampa Bay Rays recalled RHP Jose Dominguez from Durham Bulls. New York Mets recalled 1B Eric Campbell from Las Vegas 51s. recalled LF Terrance Gore from Northwest Arkansas Naturals. New York Yankees recalled RHP Branden Pinder from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Los Angeles Dodgers recalled RHP Carlos Frias from Oklahoma City Dodgers.