Ken Hill is at Louisville trying to work his way back to the majors. (Ernest Coleman photo) | ZOOM |

        LOUISVILLE — It wasn't Ken Hill's idea to keep his signing with the Reds a secret.

        “I just signed and went down to Sarasota to get ready,” Hill said, referring to extended spring training in Florida.

        Hill signed May 4, but it wasn't announced until he joined Triple-A Louisville this week, surprising members of the Reds — including pitching coach Don Gullett. Reds general manager Jim Bowden has said he didn't announce the signing because Hill wasn't added to the roster until recently.

        Hill, a 35-year-old right-hander, has a 117-109 major-league record but has been hampered by rib, groin, abdominal and elbow injuries in recent years. He went 9-6 with a 4.98 ERA for the Anaheim Angels in '98, then slipped to 4-11 with a 4.77 ERA in '99.

        Since then, he has been released three times, the last time by Tampa Bay on April 19. He was 0-1 with a 12.27 ERA at the time.

        “But I thought I threw the ball pretty well,” he said. “But they were using me in relief, and I struggled.”

        The Reds, Colorado and Arizona talked to Hill about signing, but the Reds were the only team that offered him a contract.

        All the Reds offered was a chance to show he could throw at Triple A.

        “They never said they'd give me a shot (at the ma jor-league level),” Hill said. “They said, "Go down and get in shape, and we'll make a decision at the end of the month.'”

        The Reds are planning on giving him three or four more starts before deciding whether to promote him. Hill has made one start, allowing two hits in four shutout innings Tuesday at Pawtucket.

        “I feel I still can pitch,” he said. “This isn't about money. It's about wanting to compete and show I can get guys out.”

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