HOUSTON — The Reds aren't looking for anything amazing from Osvaldo Fernandez today. Adequate will suffice.

        Fernandez still isn't officially a Red, but he'll become one today in time to start against the Houston Astros in his first major league appearance since June 25, 1997.

        Fernandez has worked diligently to overcome the effects of the two elbow surgeries that threatened to derail his career. He posted a 3-1 record with a 5.18 ERA at Triple-A Louisville before Pete Harnisch's rotator-cuff problems forced the Reds to seek a replacement.

        After the Reds decided that Fernandez would take Harnisch's spot in the rotation, he made a relatively meaningless start Monday for Double-A Chattanooga just to remain on his regular schedule. Predictably, he was roughed up, yielding eight earned runs and 11 hits in 5ö innings.

        The Reds expect him to be better than that against Houston. But they also hope to shield him from any pressure that might result from replacing Harnisch or pitching in the home-run haven known as Enron Field.

        “I don't want him to get caught up in trying to make the perfect pitch all the time,” pitching coach Don Gullett said.

        “Stories have gone around with this ballpark, but it's as it is with any ballpark — you walk people and you get into trouble, instead of being aggressive and throwing strikes.”

        Gullett said that he hasn't determined if the right-hander, a Cuban defector who pitched for San Francisco from 1996-97, has regained his arm strength.

        “On the side, you just work on mechanics and release point,” Gullett said. “It's really difficult to tell until he gets into a game.”

        TARNISHED BELL: Rob Bell was eager for his next start, most likely Tuesday against Pittsburgh at Cinergy Field, after enduring the roughest outing of his brief major-league career.

        “You learn tough lessons sometimes,” said Bell, who yielded five runs and five hits in two innings Thursday in the Reds' 11-9 victory over San Diego.

        The rookie right-hander said he lacked command of his curveball, which was enough to nullify the decent fastball he had.

        “I had good break on it, but I couldn't locate it,” Bell said. “Usually I feel comfortable and confident enough in my offspeed stuff that when I keep throwing it, it comes.”

        HOME COOKIN': Returning to Houston gave Scott Williamson a chance to indulge in one of life's greatest pleasures.

        “There's nothing like getting a home-cooked meal from your mom,” said Williamson, who grew up in nearby Friendswood.

        The novelty of being back in Texas hasn't grown dull for Williamson in his second major-league season. “A lot of my family and friends are here. It's still fun for me,” he said.

        But the newness of Enron Field took some getting used to for Williamson, who encountered an unexpected surprise when he tried to park his car.

        “I couldn't get a spot,” Williamson said. “I went to school with the sons of one of the attendants, and I still couldn't park.”

        ETC.: Shortstop Barry Larkin began his road to recovery, testing his improving left hand by taking fielding practice and hitting balls soft-tossed and off a tee.

        He will be eligible to come off the DL on Monday.

        • Astros outfielder Moises Alou was eligible to come off the disabled list Friday, but the three-time All-Star officially remained on day-to-day status.

REDS 7, ASTROS 3 Box, runs Reds like look, feel of Enron Reds notebook Architects criticize ballpark design What do you think?

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