HOUSTON — Reliever Scott Sullivan plans to appeal the three-day suspension and fine he received Wednesday stemming from Saturday's brawl against the Colorado Rockies.

        Sullivan, who meanwhile is eligible to play, plans to make his appeal between July 31-Aug.2, when the Reds visit New York, site of Major League Baseball's executive offices.

        The normally mild-mannered right-hander hadn't yet formed his argument, nor did he know whether he'd be addressing disciplinary chief Frank Robinson or a subordinate.

        “This is my first rodeo,” said Sullivan, whose fine was believed to be $1,500.

        Sullivan struck Brian Hunter with the first pitch he threw in the seventh inning, prompting the melee. Hunter, who charged the mound and briefly attempted to trade punches with Sullivan, also plans to appeal his three-day suspension and undisclosed fine.

        KIESCHNICK UP: In addition to calling up relief pitcher Mark Wohlers Wednesday, the Reds purchased the contract of infielder-outfielder Brooks Kieschnick, who replaced Hal Morris, the first baseman sold Tuesday to Detroit.

        Kieschnick, who will fill Morris' reserve and pinch hitting role, was hitting .295 in 88 games for Triple-A Louisville. The former Chicago Cub led the International League with 80 RBI, was tied for the league lead with 22 homers and ranked second with 48 extra-base hits.

        BACKING BARRY: Houston first baseman Jeff Bagwell was among the numerous players who flocked to Barry Larkin's side as the Reds captain hit a publicly acknowledged roadblock in his efforts to obtain a contract extension.

        “I feel bad for Barry,” said Bagwell, who happens to be approaching talks for a contract extension. “I was traded when I was very young (22), but I know the business side of the game. If they don't want Barry, I'll take him.

        Added Bagwell, who read chief operating officer John Allen's statement, “They say loyalty's a two-way street, but some of these teams don't always show that.” SUPER STYNES: Executing a clever pregame gag, Reds clubhouse attendant Rick Stowe lined up 12 of Chris Stynes' bats underneath a taped sign reading: “Chris Stynes bats — everybody grab one.”

        The ever-humble Stynes glanced at the display and chuckled, then headed for his locker to dress.

        It was a reference to Stynes' recent hitting prowess. The utilityman, who started his 11th game in a row at third base for injured Aaron Boone, began Wednesday with a career-high 11-game hitting streak and a .472 batting average.

        Stynes also had recorded eight consecutive multiple-hit games, one short of the season-high nine amassed by Texas' Rusty Greer in June. The last National Leaguer with eight was Andres Galarraga, then with Colorado, in 1996. Larkin, in 1990, was the last Red to achieve eight multihit efforts in a row.

        Alas, Stynes went 0-for-4 Wednesday.

        POKEY OUT: Juan Castro started at second base in place of Pokey Reese, who suffered a mild left groin strain.

        UP NEXT: Scott Williamson (3-6) knows he could be on stage tonight when he starts the finale of the series and the road trip against Houston's Jose Lima (2-13). Williamson has been linked in trade speculation to the New York Mets and Oakland A's.

        “I don't worry about it. If it happens, it happens,” said Williamson, who'll make his third start since leaving the bullpen. “It's out of my control. I can't think about when I'm going to get traded or if I'm going to get traded or "why did I get traded' or "please trade me.' I just have to pitch.”

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