SARASOTA, Fla. — One day after complaining about his uncertain status in the Reds plans, Jose Rijo got a clarification: If you're going to make the team, you have to make it as a reliever.

        The answer will come quickly.

        “We told him we'd let him know by Sunday or Monday,” Reds general manager Jim Bowden said.

        Rijo, a 36-year-old medical wonder, is a non-roster invitee. He first was tried as a reliever, then given two starts, then moved back to the bullpen.

        Rijo made it clear in comments to the Enquirer Tuesday that he wasn't happy with his iffy status. Wednesday, Bowden met with manager Bob Boone and pitching coach Don Gullett for a few minutes and then brought in Rijo.

        “They told me I was going to work out of the bullpen,” he said. “I know where I stand now. They told me I have a legitimate shot to make the team.”

        Rijo has pitched well enough to be considered for the starting rotation — he has retired the last 20 batters he's faced. But the Reds are wary of putting Rijo in the rotation because of his medical history.

        Rijo has no doubt he could be an effective starter and that his right elbow, which has been surgically repaired five times, would hold up. He returned to the major leagues last season after a six-year absence.

        “This is eight months after my comeback,” he said. “I haven't had any setbacks. The only question is: What's the question?”

        As well as Rijo has pitched, the Reds aren't ready to commit a spot to him. He is under a Triple-A contract and is not on the 40-man roster, so it hasn't been determined what he'll be paid if he makes the club.

        “With Jose, it's complicated. There are roster issues,” Bowden said. “We have to negotiate a major-league contract.”

        The baseball issues will determine if other issues come into play. Rijo has to show the Reds he can pitch on one day of rest. He's confident he can.

        “I think I can pitch three times a week — at least,” he said. “One or two innings. I don't expect anybody to baby me.”

        The Reds certainly haven't babied Rijo in terms of the batters he has faced. Tuesday, he retired Bernie Williams, Jason Giambi and Jorge Posada, three big-money Yankees.

        “I felt like I put $300million in my pocket,” Rijo said. “They say I'm fooling people. When you retire 20 in a row, it's not luck. It's pure talent.”

Reds' bats spring to life Hamilton to start opener Rijo's road to Reds runs through bullpen Reds 5, Rangers 3 Reds notebook

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