All they are saying is give Pete a chance.

        You might say that's the tune the Reds' braintrust hummed Wednesday as manager Jack McKeon slightly altered his pitching rotation to give Pete Harnisch his next start in Friday night's series opener against the Chicago Cubs at Cinergy Field.

        Harnisch will be pitching on three days' rest, one fewer than usual. He has worked on short rest only three times in the past five seasons, compiling a 1-1 record with a 3.00 ERA in those circumstances.

        The risk of bringing back Harnisch sooner than usual appears to be minimal. He pitched only four innings in Monday's rain-shortened Opening Day tie, allowing Milwaukee three runs (two earned) and seven hits while walking three and striking out one. The right-hander threw 81 pitches, including 46 strikes.

        Harnisch again complained of poor pitching mechanics, helping prompt the decision to use him as quickly as possible.

        “We want to get him out there as much as we can to get him sharp,” McKeon said.

        “The more times I get out there early, the better it's going to be,” said Harnisch, who worked in the bullpen with pitching coach Don Gullett during batting practice.

        After Harnisch opposes left-hander Andrew Lorraine, rookie Rob Bell will make his major-league debut Saturday against Cubs right-hander Kevin Tapani. Denny Neagle will start Sunday's series finale against Chicago left-hander Scott Downs, who also will be pitching his first big-league game.

Bichette taking bad with good BREWERS 8, REDS 5 Harnisch moved up to start Friday REDS NOTEBOOK

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