Mark Wohlers' work in Cincinnati is done — for now. Wohlers, the veteran right-hander who has been rehabbing his elbow since surgery last July 6, will return to competition Monday for the Single-A Dayton Dragons.

        “There's not a lot more for him to do here,” pitching coach Don Gullett said. “He needs to build his arm strength.”

        Wohlers threw 31 pitches before Saturday's game with the Florida Marlins. Again, he looked sharp.

        “His velocity was good,” Gullett said. “His breaking ball was a little off.”

        Good velocity for Wohlers means 95 mph.

        Wohlers will pitch one inning for the Dragons. He'll do that every other day. Wohlers will work up to two innings every other day, then to throwing on back-to-back days.

        “I'm looking forward to it,” Wohlers said. “It's been a real long time. We did some strength testing. Everything is fine. It's time.”

        Wohlers hopes to start Monday's game.

        “I say that because I was on rehab in Richmond once and the starter had a one-hitter through seven innings,” Wohlers said. “He had to come out so I got my work in. I felt bad.”

        Gullett would also like Wohlers to start, so he can warm up without rushing.

        “But I heard they want me to pitch the sixth or seventh,” Wohlers said. “It's not my call.”

        The stint at Dayton is expected to last about three weeks. If all goes as the Reds expect it will, they'll have a pleasant problem on their hands: How to get innings for three pitchers capable of closing games.

        “They've been going pretty darn good,” Wohlers said. “I'm going to be fighting to get innings. It's better to have too much depth than not enough.”

        Reds manager Jack McKeon will wait to see how Wohlers does at Dayton before making any decision.

        GREAT STARTS: Reds starting pitchers had a 2.99 ERA over 11 games entering Saturday's game.

        Reds starters went seven innings in back-to-back games for the first time this season.

        POKEY STREAK: Since ending his 0-for-15 skid, Pokey Reese had hit in five straight games (entering Saturday). Reese was 8-for-22 (.364) with two doubles, a triple and homer in that streak.

        one hit-by-pitch).

        NO SWEAT: McKeon would like to get Dennys Reyes more work. Reyes, the bullpen lefty, has only thrown 10ô innings. Reyes has a 1.35 ERA over his last 12 games.

        SPECIAL VISITOR: When Reds Chief Executive Officer Carl Lindner visited the Reds' locker room before the game, Barry Larkin greeted him in a way most of Lindner's employees wouldn't.

        “How you doin', bro?” Larkin said.

        He and Lindner had a pleasant conversation, which ended with a high five.

        UP NEXT: The Reds conclude the series with the Florida Marlins with a 1:15 p.m. game today. Left-hander Denny Neagle (4-0, 3.63 ERA) faces right-hander Ryan Dempster (5-3, 3.61).

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