Brower

        Reds manager Bob Boone said Jim Brower would move from his long-relief role into the fifth starter's spot, at least for the rest of the month.

        But Rijo's progress could alter this plan.

        With the All-Star break and scheduled off-days July 26 and 30, the Reds will need a fifth starter only twice before August — July16 and 21.

        “The way Brower has pitched, he probably deserves to be one of our starters, but he's so valuable in that role that I'm hesitant to take him out,” Boone said of the right-hander, who's 4-5 with a 3.72 ERA overall and 2-2, 1.42 in 14 games since being recalled from Triple-A Louisville on May 28.

Wilton Guerrero is safe at third. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        READY FOR ACTION: As managers often do with freshly promoted players, Boone inserted utilityman Wilton Guerrero into the lineup immediately. Guerrero, whose contract was purchased from Louisville when right-hander Brian Reith was optioned Wednesday to Chattanooga, started at second base Thursday and scored the Reds' first run after singling and stealing second base in the fourth inning.

        “He has been swinging the bat well,” Boone said of the switch hitter, who ranked eighth in the International League with a .304 average. “We'll give him a chance to get hot for us.”

        DARN THAT DOME: Boone said he wasn't particularly excited to take his team into the Metrodome for the three-game interleague series against the Minnesota Twins beginning tonight.

        He explained that the Metrodome lights, which cast an odd haze, require severe adjustments from visiting players. “By the third day,” said Boone, a former AL catcher with California and Kansas City, “I felt pretty comfortable with them.”

        The speedy artificial turf also takes some getting used to, said Boone: “Infielders don't run and catch the ball. It's hit to you and you catch it, or it goes through for a hit.”

        Though the AL Central-leading Twins have been regarded as something of a surprise, Boone sensed in spring training they could be formidable. Cincinnati and Minnesota met three times in Grapefruit League play.

        “They play very aggressively every day,” Boone said. “They're going to make you execute to stop them.”

        NO HOSTILITY — YET: Pirates pitchers hit Reds batters five times in the series' first three games, and Boone was asked whether he read any intent into the plunkings.

        “Oh, never,” Boone said sweetly, trying to look occupied as he rifled through papers on his desk. He paused, then smiled knowingly.

        ETC.: Reds center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. batted fourth for the first time this season and 17th time in his 1,715-game career. “I expect some residuals — I want to pitch the ninth inning,” Griffey jokingly told Boone.

        Griffey hit fourth because, as expected, Boone rested Sean Casey on Thursday. This gave the regular cleanup hitter more opportunity to soothe his bruised right elbow, which he said had improved vastly since he was hit by a Joe Beimel pitch Wednesday.

Reds 7, Pirates 1 Brower to start Double-A next for Rijo New ballpark looking up Red-Twins Scouting Report Pirates feeling good Reds box, runs

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