MONTREAL - The Reds think they have a find in Joey Hamilton. The question is: If they do, will they be able to keep him?

        After Hamilton threw a bullpen session before Sunday's game here, Boone heaped praise on him.

        “I was impressed,” Boone said. “He looks terrific.”

        Hamilton will throw one more session in the bullpen, then go to Louisville for a rehab start. If all goes well, Hamilton will be starting for the Reds in less than two weeks.

        Hamilton, a 30-year-old right-hander, signed a minor-league contract with the Reds. He is a free agent after the season.

        He will consider the Reds but there's no guarantee he'll stay with them.

        “It's something I'll have to look at,” Hamilton said. “They've given me a chance. It's something I'll definitely consider.”

        The Reds signed Hamilton Aug.17, two weeks after he was released by the Toronto Blue Jays. He's been throwing a lot on the side to build up his endurance. Pitching coach Don Gullett has also worked with Hamilton on pitching mechanics.

        That led to a very good session Sunday.

        “I felt pretty well my last few starts in Toronto,” he said. “My velocity was where it was before the surgery. I just didn't have command.”

        Hamilton had shoulder surgery in 2000. He's struggled since. But, if Hamilton can become the pitcher who went 50-44 with a 3.83 ERA in five years, the Reds will have a find.

        HOUSTON RETURN: Look for Dmitri Young and Pokey Reese, both out of the lineup Sunday, to be back in the lineup Tuesday when the Reds open a three-game series against the Astros.

        UP NEXT: The Houston series, beginning Tuesday, starts a stretch of 20 games without an off day.

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