PITTSBURGH — Back in spring training, Chris Reitsma, Jose Acevedo and Lance Davis had to figure their season would be over or they'd be pitching in the minor-league playoffs by now.

        None of the three was expected to be on the big-league club at this point. The fact the rookies are in the Reds rotation has meant they're pitching a much longer season. All are in or are entering uncharted territory:

        • Reitsma has thrown 171 2/3 innings. Before this year, he had never thrown more than 96 1/3.

        • Davis entered Friday's start with 161 1/3 innings pitched between Triple-A and the Reds. Before this year, he had never thrown more than 147.

        • Acevedo has pitched 154 1/3 innings between the Reds and Double-A. He threw 158 2/3 in 1998, but last year he pitched only 141 innings.

        All three have been inconsistent, but Reds manager Bob Boone said that doesn't necessarily stem from fatigue. He did give Reitsma two weeks between starts earlier this season when he thought the right-hander was tired.

        “It was the case with Reitsma,” Boone said. “But I don't think it is with the others.”

        Acevedo allowed five runs on seven hits in 2 1/3 innings Thursday. Reitsma (4 2/3 innings, eight runs) is coming off a bad start, and Davis (2 2/3 innings, four runs) struggled in his previous start.

        WHAT ABOUT JOEY?: Boone continues to give no hints where Joey Hamilton fits into the rotation. Hamilton started Friday for Triple-A Louisville in its playoff game against Norfolk, allowing six hits in five shutout innings.

        Hamilton could start in Dennys Reyes' slot, although their turns fall on different days. Or the Reds could push everyone back one day.

        “I don't have a plan,” Boone said. “We'll fly by the seat of our pants.”

        DUNN DROPPED: Boone had Adam Dunn hitting sixth in the order for the second time this year. Dunn had hit No.2 in 34 of his 40 starts for the Reds.

        Dunn entered Friday's game with two hits in his last 21 at-bats — his third mini-slump as a Red. He went 1-for-4.

        “I've said before that struggling a little bit is good for you,” Boone said. “As soon as you learn how to handle struggling, you've got it made.”

        FARM REPORT: Double-A Chattanooga beat Jacksonville 5-4 to even its best-of-five playoff series at one game each. Single-A Mudville beat Bakersfield 5-4 to even its best-of-three series at one game each. Single-A Dayton and rookie-league Billings are waiting to play in the second round.

        STINNETT UPDATE: Catcher Kelly Stinnett had surgery on his right elbow and right knee Friday.

        Though the elbow put Stinnett on the disabled list, team medical director Dr. Tim Kremchek decided to take care of the knee also. Bone spurs were removed from the elbow and the ulnar was movedto relieve pressure. The knee was besically cleaned out.

        Stinnett should be ready to throw in six weeks.

        UP NEXT: Right-hander Elmer Dessens (9-11, 4.51) faces left-hander Jimmy Anderson (6-16, 5.61) tonight. (7:05) in the third game of the series.

        A sellout is expected for — not to see the Reds and Pirates. It's Roberto Clemente bobble-head night.

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