SARASOTA, Fla. — Joey Hamilton has spent the spring pitching like an Opening Day starter. The Reds officially made him that Wednesday.

        Reds manager Bob Boone said Hamilton, a 31-year-old right-hander, will start April 1 against the Chicago Cubs.

Hamilton

        Hamilton, who came to camp on a minor-league contract, was added to the roster Wednesday. He has pitched brilliantly this spring, allowing one run and seven hits over 13 innings.

        Hamilton was signed by the Reds Aug.17 after being released by the Toronto Blue Jays. He went 1-2 with a 6.23 ERA in four starts.

        He has been a different pitcher this spring.

        “The biggest thing is he's healthy,” Boone said. “His mechanics have gotten better and better.”

        Hamilton has been plagued by shoulder problems since 1999. The Reds think they are finally getting the pitcher who was 27-16 with the San Diego Padres in 1996 and '97.×Sk,0

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