Though expectations often are diminished for pitchers returning from a long layoff, pitching coach Don Gullett thinks that Osvaldo Fernandez should perform capably tonight when he makes his first major-league start since July 6.

        Gullett said Fernandez, who has overcome elbow and shoulder ailments, should be able to throw between 80-95 pitches.

        “His overall sharpness and command will be somewhat of a question,” Gullett said. “But veterans like him who have a good release point and are control pitchers usually have a pretty good outing after a layoff. For example, it's a little more difficult for a guy like Scott Williamson, who hasn't pitched as many innings as a guy like Fernandez.”

        Fernandez (2-2) displayed consistency at a time when the rest of the Reds' starting rotation struggled, allowing two runs or less while pitching at least six innings in four of his five starts between May 23 and June 20. He went 3-0 with a 2.66 ERA in four starts during his injury rehabilitation stint with Triple-A Louisville. Since being activated, he has pitched once in relief, working two-thirds of an inning last Wednesday against New York.

        Fernandez will oppose Chicago right-hander Kerry Wood, the 1998 Rookie of the Year who was 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA in three starts that year against the Reds. Wood, who missed last season after undergoing right elbow surgery, is 6-7 with a 5.43 ERA.

        Had the Reds won 96 games this season instead of last, they would have reached the postseason easily. This year, San Francisco was the only National League team entering Monday on pace to win that many games.

        KEY PLAY: Pete Harnisch might not have stuck around long enough to qualify for the victory Monday, the way the Chicago Cubs jumped on him in the fifth inning. But he helped himself with an alert play that doused a Cubs rally.

        With one out and Cincinnati leading, 6-3, Julio Zuleta lashed a two-run double to right-center field.

        Second baseman Pokey Reese's relay home trickled through catcher Jason LaRue. But Harnisch backed up the play, pounced on the ball and threw out Zuleta, who was trying to advance to third base. Damon Buford then grounded out.

        “It was a big deal, as it turned out,” Harnisch said. “I'm glad he ran. I'm in a tough spot at that point if he stays on second.”

        DAWKINS DOWN UNDER: Reds prospect Gookie Dawkins led off and played shortstop but went 0-for-3 as the United States took its first defeat in Olympic exhibition play, 4-3 to the Dutch National Team on Monday night.

Reds 7, Cubs 6 Box, runs Larkin finished for season High expectations for Fernandez Cinergy Field coming down

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