The Reds optioned D.T.Cromer to Triple-A Louisville and returned pitcher Scott Winchester from rehabilitation assignment, activating him from the 15-day disabled list (left oblique muscle).

        Winchester, 27, was put to work right away. He pitched 2 1/3 scoreless inning Monday in relief of starter Chris Reitsma.

        “I feel I can definitely go out there and give us some innings which is what this team needs at times,” Winchester said. “My arm has felt good, even when I threw 75 pitches in the bullpen last week.”

        “In '98 I had 16 starts (with Cincinnati) and wound up needing complete reconstructive shoulder surgery and didn't pitch at all in '99,” he said. “The Reds medical staff did an awesome job.”

        He said it wasn't any one pitch that blew out his shoulder.

        “It was just something that built up over time,” he said.

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