CINCINNATI The Reds led the Pirates 2-1 in the seventh inning Monday night, but Pittsburgh was threatening to even the score with a runner on second and one out. Mike Leake took care of pinch-hitter Travis Snider with a swinging strikeout for the second out. He thought he had finished off the inning with a pitch at the knees against Starling Marte. Home plate umpire Chris Conroy didnt see it that way. Catcher Devin Mesoraco went out for a quick chat and then Leake eventually got Marte on a fly ball to Shin-Soo Choo in center field to preserve the lead. The Reds won the opener of this four-game series with Pittsburgh 4-1 behind four solo home runs and the pitching of a guy who has quietly put together as good of a first half to the season as anyone in the rotation, whether anyone wants to believe it or not. Mike Leakes worst attribute has always been who or what he is not. Hes not Aroldis Chapman, who potentially was going to be the Reds No. 5 starter coming out of spring training. Hes not Tony Cingrani

Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/leake_quietly_silencing_his_critics/13858373

Southpaw Tony Cingrani is here to stay. On Monday, the Reds announced plans to move the rookie to the bullpen to serve as another left-handed option in relief. Cingrani has made seven starts this season over the span of two different stints while filling in for an injured Johnny Cueto. He served as an emergency reserve on Sunday in case Cueto experienced any difficulty in his first start since coming off the disabled list. Fortunately, Cincinnati did not need him as Cueto and the Reds cruised to a 5-1 victory over Milwaukee. Cingrani said he is happy the club opted to keep him around instead of sending him back down the road to Triple-A Louisville. Even if it means pitching in a different role. “As long as I’m up here, I don’t really care,” Cingrani said. “Whatever they want me to do, I’m happy to do it. We’ve got five good starters and if something happens, I’m ready to jump in. I’m just happy to be back here and stay up here — for the time being, at least.” ...

Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/reds_move_cingrani_to_depleted_bullpen/13856732

Southpaw Tony Cingrani is here to stay. On Monday, the Reds announced plans to move the rookie to the bullpen to serve as another left-handed option in relief. Cingrani has made seven starts this season over the span of two different stints while filling in for an injured Johnny Cueto. He served as an emergency reserve on Sunday in case Cueto experienced any difficulty in his first start since coming off the disabled list. Fortunately, Cincinnati did not need him as Cueto and the Reds cruised to a 5-1 victory over Milwaukee. Cingrani said he is happy the club opted to keep him around instead of sending him back down the road to Triple-A Louisville. Even if it means pitching in a different role. “As long as I’m up here, I don’t really care,” Cingrani said. “Whatever they want me to do, I’m happy to do it. We’ve got five good starters and if something happens, I’m ready to jump in. I’m just happy to be back here and stay up here — for the time being, at least.” ...

Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/reds_move_cingrani_to_depleted_bullpen/13856732

The Cincinnati Reds have activated right-handed starter Johnny Cueto from the 15-day disabled list as he had been recovering from a strained lat injury. The young Cueto has a low 2.17 ERA this season, but has been suffering from health issues all season long. To make room for Cueto, Pedro Villarreal was optioned to Triple-A Louisville and returns to their rotation. Villarreal remains pitching depth for the organization. The post Cincinnati Reds Activate Johnny Cueto, Option Pedro Villarreal appeared first on FFLockerRoom | Fantasy Sports Advice | Sports News | Sports Talk |.

Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/cincinnati_reds_activate_johnny_cueto_option_pedro_villarreal/13852256

I am someone who likes to cater to what the people are talking about. I ask around, search the web and see what’s getting people really riled up in the news of baseball, and more recently, in the news of the Cincinnati Reds. Last week, we saw the Reds almost perfect the four-game sweep against the Cubs. However, in the marathon of a game, the Reds lost in Wrigley in a 6-5, after Julio Borbon cleaned up with a walk-off RBI. In that game, we didn’t see the 100 MPH fastball of Aroldis Chapman. Yes, it’s going to be a Dusty Baker/Aroldis Chapman piece. With toothpick in mouth, Baker said he won’t use Chapman before the ninth inning. A wise decision? Message boards and interactions I ran into with Reds fans last week went a lot along the lines of “What the heck are you doing Dusty? Put Chapman in to save the game.” Or, one that really caught my eye was, “We need to send Dusty home, with a lifetime supply of toothpicks, and find someone who will give Chapman more than an inning every couple games.”

Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/cincinnati_reds_aroldis_chapman_wont_go_before_nine/13852028

The third batch of updated National League All-Star voting was released Sunday evening and two Reds continue to lead the way at their respective positions. Joey Votto continues to sit atop at first base while teammate Brandon Phillips holds down the top spot for second base. Shin-Soo Choo is the only other Red to appear in the voting leaderboard after ranking ninth among outfielders. FIRST BASE 1. Joey Votto, Reds: 2,047,945 2. Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks: 1,524,517 3. Allen Craig, Cardinals: 1,191,229 4. Brandon Belt, Giants: 997,066 5. Freddie Freeman, Braves: 924,937 SECOND BASE 1. Brandon Phillips, Reds: 2,021,277 2. Marco Scutaro, Giants: 1,717,875 3. Matt Carpenter, Cardinals: 1,508,314 4. Chase Utley, Phillies: 982,966 5. Daniel Murphy, Mets: 786,414 OUTFIELD 1. Carlos Beltran, Cardinals: 2,385,240 2. Justin Upton, Braves: 2,054,225 3. Bryce Harper, Nationals: 1,981,030 4. Ryan Braun, Brewers: 1,645,904 5. Carlos Gonzalez, Ro...

Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/votto_phillips_continue_to_sit_well_in_updated_voting/13851374

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Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/hal_mccoy_talks_reds_bullpen_situation_and_tony_cingrani/13848428

Great American Ball Park hasn't been kind to the Milwaukee Brewers lately. First and foremost, the Cincinnati Reds have been one of the National League's best teams and are tough to beat at home. But the Brewers haven't played consistent enough baseball to earn a series win in Cincinnati in quite some time. With a chance to clinch their first road series win over the Reds since Sept. 2011, Milwaukee struggled Sunday to limp to a 5-1 loss at the hands of the Reds. It was a familiar script for the Brewers, as Reds outfielder Jay Bruce homered again against them, while right-hander Johnny Cueto continued his dominance of Milwaukee. "We didn't play a good game today," Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said. "We know this is a really good team. We know we have to play well to beat them. I thought we played really well the first two games, and we didn't play well today. Defensively we didn't play well at all. Offensively, I know Cueto is a great pitcher, we didn't have a lot o

Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/wily_peralta_still_working_on_maintaining_consistency/13848386

For the second consecutive year, the Reds will hold a racing night at Great American Ball Park to get folks geared up for the upcoming NASCAR race at Kentucky Speedway.  Here is the press release highlighting the details... CINCINNATI (June 14, 2013) - Reds fans and racing enthusiasts should come to the ballpark on Monday, June 17 for an evening of excitement at the second annual Reds Racing Night presented by Kroger.  NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick will throw a ceremonial first pitch and the Kroger Fan Zone will be packed with a collection of racing showcars, simulators and interactives. Harvick is currently 5th in Sprint Cup Series with two wins this season, drives the #29 Budweiser NASCAR racecar for Richard Childress Racing and is scheduled to race in the Quaker State 400 at the Kentucky Speedway on Saturday, June 29. Reds Racing Night schedule of events: • 5:40 pm: Ballpark gates open and fans can experience the Kroger Fan Fest showcars, racing games and driving ...

Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/reds_to_hold_second_annual_racing_night/13848398

Johnny Cueto pitched six solid innings in his return to Cincinnati's rotation and Jay Bruce homered to lift the Reds to a 5-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday. Donald Lutz drove in two runs with a pinch-hit single, and Zack Cozart and Joey Votto each had two hits as Cincinnati rebounded after 6-0 on Saturday. Cueto, activated from the disabled list Sunday, improved to 4-0 in his seventh start of the season. He allowed five hits and one run with three strikeouts and no walks as the Reds took two of three in the weekend series. Cueto made his first start since a 6-0 win at Pittsburgh on May 31. He was placed on the disabled list on June 5 for the second time this season because of a strained muscle in his right shoulder. Alfredo Simon allowed two hits and had six strikeouts in three innings of relief for his first save of the season and second in two years with Cincinnati. Milwaukee starter Wily Peralta gave up all five Reds runs - four earned - in 5 1-3 innings. The slumping Peralta (4-8) allo

Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/reds_5_brewers_1/13848056

Cincinnati Reds' starting pitcher Johnny Cueto was activated from the 15-day disabled list in order to make a start against the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday. Pedro Villareal was optioned down to make room for Cueto on the 25-man roster. According to ESPN, Cueto will face Milwaukee after being on the DL since June 5th, with his last start on May 31st. Cueto has been dealing with a right shoulder muscle strain throughout the 2013 season. Villareal was called up just yesterday to replace Jonathan Broxton and did not make an appearance in their 7-0 loss to the Brew-Crew. Cueto has only made six starts this season where he is 3-0 with a 2.17 ERA. The Brewers' lineup is batting a combined .256 against him in 138 total plate appearances against the right hander. He will make the start in the rubber game of three-game series. Follow @mlbinjurynews Looking for fantasy baseball advice?

Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/reds_johnny_cueto_activated_for_sunday_start/13847597

CINCINNATI Sean Marshalls absence in the Cincinnati Reds bullpen is like the missing man formation in a fighter squadron it is starkly evident that something is not right. With Marshall missing, the domino effect has never been more prevalent because the Reds have scrambled and scratched and searched to fill his void a left-handed setup guy and a situational left-hander.Marshall has been on the disabled list twice this year and that it is his current residence. It looks as if hell be there for at least three more weeks with what is termed, shoulder fatigue and weakness.So what is he doing, other than a daily rehab regimen? He calls himself, Assitant Bullpen Coach.This gives me a chance to give some guidance to some guys, make sure they are ready to pitch, give them some insight on how I pitch guys, especially left-hander Manny Parra.The 6-7, 224-pound 30-year-old who signed a four-year, 20 million deal before last season describes his injury as, Laxity in my shoulder. When I was pitching it was doing a lot

Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/marshall_on_road_to_recovery/13847195

CINCINNATI Sean Marshalls absence in the Cincinnati Reds bullpen is like the missing man formation in a fighter squadron it is starkly evident that something is not right. With Marshall missing, the domino effect has never been more prevalent because the Reds have scrambled and scratched and searched to fill his void a left-handed setup guy and a situational left-hander.Marshall has been on the disabled list twice this year and that it is his current residence. It looks as if hell be there for at least three more weeks with what is termed, shoulder fatigue and weakness.So what is he doing, other than a daily rehab regimen? He calls himself, Assitant Bullpen Coach.This gives me a chance to give some guidance to some guys, make sure they are ready to pitch, give them some insight on how I pitch guys, especially left-hander Manny Parra.The 6-7, 224-pound 30-year-old who signed a four-year, 20 million deal before last season describes his injury as, Laxity in my shoulder. When I was pitching it was doing a lot

Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/marshall_on_road_to_recovery/13847195

Cincinnati Reds reliever Jonathan Broxton has been placed on the DL with a flexor mass strain in his right elbow, reports C. Trent Rosencrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer. The move is retroactive to June 14th, when Broxton appeared in the 14-inning contest against the Chicago Cubs and gave up the winning run. Reds manager Dusty Baker said they expect him to return when eligible on June 29th, as there is no structural damage to the arm. “There’s a strain, which included in that is inflammation in the joint, so we’ll just give it time to clear up,” Baker said. According to Rosencrans, Baker did not want to use Broxton in the series against the Cubs and his appearance in Thursday's game was a 'last resort'. The right-hander already had soreness in the elbow area but Baker said he was assured Broxton would not make the injury any worse by pitching. An ultrasound revealed swelling in the elbow on Friday and so the decision was made to place Broxton on the DL yesterday. ...

Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/reds_reliever_jonathan_broxton_hits_dl_with_flexor_strain/13846427

In a 2013 season in which he has baffled hitters in a talent-heavy Midwest League and risen to the status as the top prospect in the Cincinnati Reds organization, Robert Stephenson has been placed on the disabled list with what is being called a strained hamstring, which he recently suffered while running in between starts.Coming into the season, Stephenson was ranked second behind outfield prospect Billy Hamilton as the top prospect in the Reds organization by both Baseball America and MLB.com; however, a lackluster season for Hamilton who has struggled offensively and failed to regain the same electric speed that was present in his two previous seasons in the minors, has allowed the right-hander to rise in stock with a strong season at Low-A Dayton.In 12 starts this season for the Dragons, Stephenson has posted a 5-3 record and 2.97 ERA to go along with a strong 85/17 strikeout to walk ratio that suggests good control of his pitches, a plus feature of his game that he has showcase...

Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/reds_top_prospect_robert_stephenson_to_dl_with_hamstring_strain/13843487

CINCINNATI It is Go Johnny, Go once again for Johnny Cueto for the second time this season he comes off the disabled list to rejoin the Cincinnati Reds rotation on Sunday.Cueto faces the Milwaukee Brewers on Fathers Day, only his sixth start this season due to a persistent lat problem that twice pushed him off the pitching mound.And as it seems to always happen with the Reds this year, one comes and one goes.While Cueto returns, relief pitcher Jonathan Broxton goes, placed on the disabled list Saturday with an elbow strain, another blow to what has become a train wreck of a bullpen.The Reds recalled Pedro Villareal to aid in the bullpen, but there will be further help. Reds manager Dusty Baker indicated that when Cueto is activated for his start, Tony Cingrani will not be returned to Triple-A Louisville. Hell remain to man a seat in the bullpen, giving the Reds much-need left-handed support. Cingrani began the year at Louisville but has been called up twice to take Cueto's spot in the rotation. Amazingl

Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/cueto_to_return_cingrani_to_remain/13842554

Although the Milwaukee Brewers are thriving at the plate during Ryan Braun's absence, they couldn't end their struggles against the Cincinnati Reds last time out. With Braun now on the disabled list, the Brewers will try to snap a five-game skid to their NL Central rivals and avoid losing for a 10th time in 11 games in Cincinnati on Saturday. Milwaukee (27-39) is batting .305 and has scored 41 runs while winning five of seven games. Braun was out with a sore right thumb in the last four of those contests, and the slugger was placed on the DL after Friday's series opener. "This is a move we tried to avoid," manager Ron Roenicke said. "After talking to him, I think this is the right way to go." The Brewers had 12 hits Friday but suffered a 4-3 loss in 10 innings. Jay Bruce's game-ending home run gave the Reds their fourth win in five contests. "I told somebody earlier it never gets old," said Bruce, who is tied for the team lead with 11 homers. "I hit homers, b

Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/reds_look_to_extend_winning_streak_against_brewers/13841537

There are rivalries, and there are rivalries.  Real rivalries go deep, here the Milwaukee Brewers RF Norichika Aoki wants none of giving a Cincinnati Reds fan the ball after he makes a catch near the wall.  Or more likely, he probably didn’t know what the fan was asking for (as Aoki gives him an awkward “low five”).  Watch the funny moments (courtesy of MLB.com): The Reds fans all seem to have a good laugh about it as the guy shrugs it off! - David Whitlock (@lhd_on_sports) Follow us on Twitter @rbts_baseball The post Norichika Aoki gives Reds fan imaginary ball after catch near wall appeared first on Reading Between The Seams.

Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/norichika_aoki_gives_reds_fan_imaginary_ball_after_catch_near_wall/13841243

Your browser does not support iframes. Jay Bruce entered Friday with four walk-off home runs in his career. The Reds All-Star right fielder had five by the night's end. Bruce's solo blast in the bottom of the 10th inning lifted Cincinnati past the visiting Brewers, 4-3, and sparked a celebration at home plate. It marked the 11th homer of the season for Bruce and it sent over 35,000 fans at Great American Ball Park home happy. "I told somebody earlier it never gets old," said Bruce. "I hit homers, but walk-offs are completely different. They're a little sweeter, especially this one because of yesterday." The Reds are now 4-7 in extra-inning games in 2013.

Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/video_watch_jay_bruce_launch_walk_off_home_run/13841081

Zach Duke pitching for the Washington Nationals.The Cincinnati Reds signed former Pittsburgh Pirate pitcher Zach Duke today. Duke is expected to join the AAA Louisville Bats. As far as the signing goes, I think the key part about it is that Duke is left handed. Currently, the only left-handed relievers in the Reds’ bullpen are Manny Parra and Aroldis Chapman. Chapman is the closer, and in MLB the way it is today, the closer pitches the 9th inning and the 9th inning only. As for Parra, his attempts to fill the role that injured reliever Sean Marshall had has failed spectacularly. His 7.50 is not getting it done. I have to think that should Parra continue to struggle, we might see Duke. Duke has not done well in limited time with the Washington Nationals this year, but I sure can’t fault the Reds for searching for other options. Hopefully, though, Marshall will return sooner than later. This team needs him putting up zeros in the late innings.

Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/signing_zach_duke_for_bullpen_insurance/13839683

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Jay Bruce homered off Burke Badenhop with one out in the 10th inning on Friday night, rallying the Cincinnati Reds to a 4-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in a game full of errors and wasted chances. It was Cincinnati's second straight extra-inning game. The Reds fell 6-5 in 14 innings at Wrigley Field on Thursday, leaving their bullpen depleted. Bruce connected on a 1-2 pitch from Badenhop (0-3) for his fifth game-ending homer. Alfredo Simon (5-2) retired the side in the 10th. The teams combined for five errors -- including a season-high three by Cincinnati. Bronson Arroyo hit Martin Maldonado with the bases loaded to force in a run, and Maldonado homered off him to tie it in the eighth.

Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/bruces_hr_in_10th_sends_reds_over_brewers_4_3/13839392

Reds reliever Jonathan Broxton is getting examined for a sore right elbow, leaving his status uncertain for a weekend series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Broxton took the loss in a 14-inning, 6-5 defeat at Wrigley Field on Thursday. That left him 2-2 with a 4.33 ERA in 29 appearances. Manager Dusty Baker said Friday that he had hoped not to use Broxton before the Reds returned home and he could be examined. The reliever signed a $21 million, three-year contract in the offseason. Outfielder Chris Heisey worked out on Friday before the series opener against the Brewers, hoping he can start an injury rehabilitation assignment soon. He's been on the disabled list since April 29 because of a pulled right hamstring.

Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/reds_broxton_examined_for_sore_elbow/13838360

CINCINNATI The once nearly impenetrable Cincinnati Reds bullpen suddenly has sprung more leaks than a colander, particularly in the critical eighth inning, so the constituents in the stands are asking: Why not use closer Aroldis Chapman in the eighth and ninth?It is not going to happen no discussion, no debate, no but, but, but, buts.Manager Dusty Baker is as adamant about his stance on this subject as a pit bull guarding his kibbles.Why do people want me to go against what is happening in baseball these days? said Baker. The days of Rollie Fingers and Goose Gossage and Dave Righetti having two-inning saves, those guys are gone.Baker said the requirements a closer to go two innings these days are possession of a rubber arm and the ability to get loose rapidly in the bullpen.Chapman possesses neither.Chapman has a big ritual that he goes through before he is ready, Baker added. He is like a high-priced sports car that takes a long time to warm up. I can just jump in my little truck and be gone, but this guy

Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/baker_says_chapman_staying_put_no_2_inning_saves/13838060

If you and your special someone have been thinking about tying the knot lately than I have just the time and place for you two to do so. On Friday, August 2, the Reds are offering couples the chance to say "I do" in the first ever mass wedding at Great American Ball Park. The couples will have the opportunity to exchange vows on the field before the Reds play host to the arch-rival Cardinals beginning at 7:10 p.m. Those who choose to take part in the ceremony will get the chance to enjoy an exclusive reception in the luxurious Riverfront Club. The celebratory bash will include an upscale dinner and an open bar. Couples can also be accompanied to the reception by up to 10 of their closest family and friends. Furthermore, the "I Do on the Diamond" package includes a congratulatory scoreboard message, one-of-a-kind Reds favors and decors, and special photo opportunities. The festivities will be capped off with unparalleled views of the postgame fireworks...

Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/reds_to_hold_mass_wedding_at_great_american_ball_park/13837895

The Reds have signed veteran left-handed pitcher Zach Duke to a minor league contract, according to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Duke, 30, was recently released by the Washington Nationals after tallying an 8.71 ERA in 12 appearances spanning 20.2 innings. Duke was assigned to Triple-A Louisville and catcher Konrad Schmidt was released to make room on the roster. Although Duke struggled in his stint with the Nationals this season, he boasted a respectable 15-5 record and 3.51 ERA in Triple-A last year. The former highly-touted Pirates prospect was once considered one of the most promising southpaw starting pitchers in the game when he broke into the majors in 2005. He finished fifth in National League Rookie of the Year voting in '05 after recording a 1.81 ERA and an 8-2 record as a 22-year-old. He continued to be a fixture in Pittsburgh's rotation through the end of 2010, however, compiled a sub-par 37-68 record over that time frame. He did earn a t...

Original Post from Yardbarker: Cincinnati Reds, View the post at http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/reds_sign_zack_duke_to_minor_league_contract/13836791