Monday, April 19, 1999
REDS NOTEBOOK
Another solid start for Avery
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Though he spent most of Sunday pitching from the stretch position, Steve Avery kept building his status as the Reds' most consistent starter.
Avery worked seven innings, the third time in a row he has lasted at least that long. The left-hander yielded two runs and six hits while striking out three. He also walked three, which was a welcome change from the 11 he totaled in his previous two outings.
Avery notched only one perfect inning but benefited from double plays in the first two innings. He received another assist when opposing pitcher Todd Ritchie made an ill-advised dash to third base in the fifth inning on Adrian Brown's single and was thrown out by center fielder Mike Cameron.
“I didn't particularly throw all that well today,” Avery said. “But I've been kind of proud of myself, the way I've stuck in there when I get runners on and staying away from the big innings. But I'm still waiting for better things to come.”
Cup of coffee
Though Rick Greene's stay with the Reds could be brief, he intends to savor every minute of it.
The Reds purchased Greene's contract from Triple-A Indianapolis to restore their pitching staff to 10 until Denny Neagle is activated from the disabled list to make his anticipated start Wednesday against New York. Greene, 28, already has been told that he'll return to the minors at that time.
“For a guy in my situation, a day in the big leagues is a day in the big leagues,” said Greene, who has played exclusively in the minors for six seasons. “I'm just thrilled to death to be here. I have a blast in Triple-A because I'm happy to be in a situation where I'm playing a game for a living, and my family can enjoy it with me. If I'm in the big leagues, that makes it a little bit better.”
Greene, a 6-foot-5 right-hander, had no record, one save and a 4.76 ERA in four appearances with Indy. He garnered attention this spring by allowing one run in 3ô innings to earn the victory in Cincinnati's 12-8 triumph over Philadelphia on March 26.
General Manager Jim Bowden said that ex-big leaguers Steve Parris, Todd Williams and Ron Villone also were considered for promotion, but waiver considerations and the probable brief duration of the stint made Greene the best choice.
“We're glad to be able to give him a little cup of coffee,” Bowden said. “He's earned it down there.”
Tucker in
Michael Tucker received his first start of the season, replacing Dmitri Young in right field and going 0-for-3.
Young pinch-hit for Tucker in the eighth and delivered an RBI single that tied the score 2-2 and ended a 3-for-24 skid in his last seven games, which included no hits in his previous 10 at-bats.
Young said he had recovered from fouling a ball off his left big toe Friday night, but manager Jack McKeon wanted to rest the switch hitter one more day.
“I wanted to give him a day to relax. He's trying too hard,” said McKeon, who obviously found Young at ease late in the game.
Injury update
Bowden said that infielder Ralph Milliard, who was placed on the disabled list on March 31 (retroactive to March 22), will visit Dr. Thomas Saul today to have his ailing back checked. The Reds will try to determine whether Milliard must be put in traction, needs surgery or an extended rehabilitation period.
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