SARASOTA, Fla. — The Reds' pitching staff apparently has come down to two questions:

        • Will Scott Williamson or Chris Reitsma be the fifth starter?

        • If Reitsma loses to Williamson, will Reitsma or Justin Atchley get the sixth reliever spot?

        It came down to that Thursday when the Reds reassigned Jared Fernandez to the minors. The 29-year-old rookie knuckleballer was a rotation candidate until he got racked for six runs and six hits in three innings Wednesday.

        “We have 12 pitchers, and we have to get down to 11,” general manager Jim Bowden said. “But that's all I can say.”

        Remember, last spring the Reds made Mark Portugal the No.5 starter, only to recall Rob Bell three days later and release Portugal.

        “A lot can happen,” Reds manager Bob Boone said.

        If the team came north today, Reitsma would have the edge for the rotation spot. But Williamson, who will take the last relief spot if he loses his battle with Reitsma, has two more starts.

        Atchley, a 27-year-old left-hander, also pitched Wednesday. He worked two innings, allowing only one hit. He's up to six spring appearances and 7 2/3 shutout innings with one walk and seven strikeouts.

        “He's right there on the bubble,” Boone said.

        Four starting spots are set — Pete Harnisch, Rob Bell, Osvaldo Fernandez and Elmer Dessens. Danny Graves, Scott Sullivan, Mark Wohlers, left-hander Dennys Reyes and John Riedling are virtual locks for the bullpen.

        Reitsma, acquired in last year's Dante Bichette deal with Boston, has been a starter throughout his minor-league career, although he was impressive in the Arizona Fall League in relief (2-0, 1.44 ERA in 13 appearances).

        Atchley, a 15th-round pick in 1995, has never pitched in the majors. He was 8-6 with a 5.89 ERA last year for Triple-A Louisville. He walked only 1.58 batters per nine innings, fourth-best in the International League.

        Atchley entered camp with no great expectations.

        “I came down here basically like everyone else, trying to get ready for the season,” he said. “You prepare to do well. The other stuff is out of my control.”

Fernandez out of rotation equation Rivera out to prove worth to Reds Larkin making progress Game report: Reds 16, Blue Jays (ss) 3

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