Reds Face Pirates Without Votto, Phillips and Bruce

Joey Votto took batting practice but is not quite ready to come off the disabled list.  He may be a week away from his return.  Brandon Phillips is still out with a strained calf.  He is much better and available to pinch hit.

Jay Bruce is out of the lineup with Rodriguitis.  As Dusty Baker puts it, "Wandy always give Jay the blues."

Here are the numbers.....Bruce is 2-for-29 against Rodriguez for his career.  Rodriguez struck out Bruce 15 times in the 29 at bats.  In the 14 other times that Bruce made contact, he hit two singles and grounded into a double play.


The highlights of Dusty Baker's pregame meeting with the press.

On Phillips

“We had to make a decision. I had to make a decision. Brandon said he was almost ready. If it was September, it would be a different story. I have to do what’s best for Brandon. He could pinch-hit late in the game.”

Brandon close?

“He’s real close. We just don’t want to take a chance right now. He’s starting tomorrow unless he does something tonight. It was hell holding him off today.”

Valdez is close

On pirates

“They’re a different team than we we played them the last time.” Goes down roster changes.

On McCutchen

“If I had to pick an MVP, it would probably be him.”

Baker doesn’t seem nervous

“What do I have to be nervous about? This is what you live for, as a player or a coach or a manager. If I’m nervous, then the players are going to be more nervous. I’ve been through it.”