HOUSTON - Manager Bob Boone readily admitted that his hopes of reducing Scott Sullivan's workload this season appear dashed.

        Sullivan, who led all relievers in innings pitched each year from 1998-2000, ranks third in the majors this year with 46 2/3. Seattle's Ryan Franklin (52 in nings) and Los Angeles' Matt Herges (48) are the only relievers ahead of Sullivan.

        Sullivan is on pace to make 79 appearances, which would match his career-high total from the 1999-2000 seasons, and pitch 105 innings. Those statistics left Boone dismayed.

        “I thought I had been babying him, but I've used him more than Jack (McKeon),” Boone said. “I guess most of the time I bring him in, he goes more than one inning. And the more he pitches, the better he gets.”

        ETC.: Dmitri Young returned to left field after resting a sore left knee, breaking Boone's three-game streak of fielding the same lineup.

        • Various news organizations have reported that Deion Sanders will sign a Triple-A contract with Toronto on Monday.

        • Aaron Boone's penance for being thrown out at third base on an ill-advised steal attempt Friday was to purchase cigars for his father, the manager. That happens to be the way Bob Boone operates with every player. “I don't fine people,” Bob Boone said. “I try to ease their guilt.”

        UP NEXT: Reds right-hander Jose Acevedo, who yielded three home runs while surrendering six runs in four innings in his major-league debut last Tuesday against Milwaukee, will oppose fellow rookie Tim Redding in today's series finale.

Astros 9, Reds 3 Reds may play Mariners next year SULLIVAN: Griffey belongs in All-Star Game Reese, Young on the block There's hope for Reds, just not this year Lowlights of the 2001 season Fan's-eye view of the Reds Yankees were high on Wohlers No rest for Sullivan Reynolds' comeback appears complete Reds box, runs

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