PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Michael Coleman played an errorless game in left field Thursday, which may not sound like much. But it contrasted with the three errors he committed in his previous two games.

        “Hopefully, what we've seen in the outfield isn't true,” said manager Bob Boone, who couldn't help recalling that Coleman “butchered” an extra-base hit by Kansas City's Jon Nunnally on Wednesday night. Monday, Coleman erred twice against Tampa Bay.

        Said Boone: “I think he's better than that. I don't make any judgment other than, "Show me.' That's why you play (games). By the end, they'll all show you what they are, good or bad. You hope that it's all good.”

        ROSTER TRIMMED: The Reds made six predictable roster cuts, reducing the spring contingent to 36, 11 above the Opening Day limit.

        Sent to Triple-A Louisville were outfielder Brady Clark, left-hander Hector Mercado, utilityman Bill Selby and right-hander Arnie Gooch. Outfield prospect Jackson Melian and left-hander Clayton Andrews were optioned to Double-A Chattanooga.

        Ironically, both Clark and Mercado contributed significantly to Thursday's victory. Clark hustled out a bloop double and scored the first run in a three-run eighth inning before Mercado, who made last year's Opening Day roster, pitched a scoreless ninth for his first save.

        ETC.: Boone said he wasn't sure whether Dmitri Young (bruised right shoulder) would play today against Detroit, but he pointed out that he can use the left fielder as a designated hitter Saturday or Sunday, becaue the Reds visit American League teams, Boston and Minnesota, respectively.

        • Left-hander Justin Atchley, mentioned by Boone as one of the spring's pleasant surprises, survived the latest cuts but remains sidelined with a sprained left middle finger. Atchley, who's unscored-upon in 5 2/3 innings spanning five appearances, was supposed to play catch Thursday and might pitch again soon if his finger survives that test.

Stinnett is No. 1A Williamson role's no lock Coleman gets by without E Game report: Reds 4, Rangers 3

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