Jose Rijo looks out to the scoreboard after giving up a fifth inning home run to Lance Berkman on Tuesday. (Jeff Swinger photo) | ZOOM |

        It hasn't been announced, but Jose Rijo will start Sunday's game for the Reds in Chicago.

        Reds general manager Jim Bowden gave a big clue by saying the starter is currently on the big-league staff. That means that if the Reds call up a pitcher from the minors before Sunday, that pitcher won't start.

        Still, Reds manager Bob Boone isn't tipping his hand. Rijo and Jim Brower are the most likely candidates. Brower pitched one-third of an inning in Thursday's 5-4 win over Houston.

        “I have some thoughts,” Boone said. “But I probably won't announce it until Saturday.”

        He is leaning toward a “bullpen day,” which would mean Rijo, Brower and Luis Pineda would get the bulk of the innings.

        Which of the three would start?

        “I'll let you know Saturday,” Boone said.

        Rijo is an obvious choice over Pineda because Pineda is a rookie and more likely to have trouble dealing with the pressure.

        Rijo would love the start and has an inkling it will be him.

        “I think it's me,” he said. “I'm ready.”

        It will be Rijo's first start since July 1995.

Two rallies stave off sweep Reds box, runs Kremchek says Jr. improving quickly Reds have OFs to burn Sunday's start goes to Rijo Reds notes: Acevedo demotion a signal Reds at Chicago Cubs Baseball notes: 3-12 Milwaukee fires Lopes as manager AL: Lofton helps White Sox sweep Indians NL: Sexson gives Royster win in managerial debut

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