DENVER — The mild yet nagging injuries endured by numerous Reds forced manager Jack McKeon to use an unlikely lineup Tuesday night against the Colorado Rockies.

        Utilityman Chris Stynes replaced second baseman Pokey Reese, who was still nursing the bruised left elbow that was hit Monday by a Rolando Arrojo pitch. Rookie bench sensation D.T. Cromer, who entered the game sporting a .571 batting average (4-for-7) and fresh off his three-run homer Monday, received his first major-league start.

        McKeon defied the “percentages” by using Cromer, a left-handed batter, against Colorado starter Brian Bohanon, a lefty. But with Alex Ochoa, a right-handed batter, healing the mildly strained right hamstring he suffered while running to first base in Monday's ninth inning, McKeon had no right-handed-hitting first baseman, since he started switch hitter Dmitri Young in left field.

        Besides, said McKeon, Cromer deserved a chance.

        “He's the type of hitter who makes contact,” McKeon said.

        Resting Reese was an easy decision, despite his .433 average. “I think it's wise that Jack did not write him into the lineup today,” trainer Greg Lynn said. “It (the elbow) is still a little swollen.”

        McKeon said he might rest Reese today if the Reds were to win Tuesday.

        Lynn said first baseman Hal Morris (groin) and catcher Benito Santiago (right ring finger) soon would be ready for more playing time.

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