SAN DIEGO — Friday's editions of USA Today mistakenly reported that Chris Reitsma had been a demoted to the Reds' bullpen. In reality, Reitsma was given a break to rest a tired arm.

        “What can you do, right?” an unruffled Reitsma said.

        Reitsma sounded as if he has gone through a vacation, not a demotion. The refreshed rookie will make his first start since July 22 today when he faces the San Diego Padres.

        “I can't wait. I feel really good,” said Reitsma (5-10). “I feel like I could have gone a couple of days ago.”

        Reitsma's effort last Sunday indicated that this wasn't blind enthusiasm. He struck out two while throwing only 12 pitches in a scoreless sixth inning and received the decision in Cincinnati's 8-4 victory over Florida.

        Manager Bob Boone said that Reitsma's fastball ranged from 92-94 mph that day, compared with the 89-90 mph the right-hander registered before he was shelved. In turn, Reitsma's improved fastball should enhance his change-up, which is his most devastating pitch.

        “It's a weird thing, as a pitcher,” Reitsma said of his regained velocity. “You don't feel any different, but it's just that extra little (zip) at the end.”

        He'll need a lot extra on his pitches to meet Boone's expectations. Asked what he hoped to see from Reitsma, Boone replied without cracking a smile, “A shutout.”

        Reitsma laughed when he heard that one.

        “That would be great,” he said between chuckles. “But let's not put too much pressure on me.

        “I'll give you a shutout effort. How's that?”

Reds 9, Padres 2 Reds fans contributing to Paul Brown Stadium Reitsma gets velocity back after rest Pitching has been good, too Boone putting it all together Reds box, runs

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