Right-hander Jose Rijo will start today in Milwaukee on his 37th birthday.

        Rijo, 2-1 with a 4.60 ERA, had arguably his worst start last week against the Brewers. Rijo allowed seven hits and five earned runs in 3 1/3 innings, although the Reds rallied for a 14-5 victory.

        Rijo said it's not good for pitchers to face hitters on back-to-back weeks.

        “Sometimes when they see you with such a short turnaround of time, they adjust a little bit quicker,” Rijo said. “And it might not be enough time to change if you want to do something different.”

        Infielder Gookie Dawkins celebrated his 23rd birthday Sunday.

        CASEY IN A PINCH: Sean Casey was out of the lineup Sunday for the third straight game since slightly pulling his hamstring Wednesday. He pinch-hit in the ninth inning and grounded out.

        Before the game, Boone said, “We're more afraid of (Casey's injury) than anything. And if he's fearful, I'm more (fearful).”

        WATCH THE CLOCKS: On July 1, the Reds and Houston Astros will celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the first game at Riverfront Stadium/Cinergy Field.

        Both teams will wear uniforms circa 1970. Hot dogs and soft drinks will be sold for $1 each, and all Red reserved seats will be sold for $3.

        The Reds lost to the Braves 8-2 on June 30, 1970.

        SHORT STINT: St. Louis reliever Mike Matthews lasted exactly one batter Sunday. Aaron Boone sent a grounder back to the mound that hit Matthews and it ended up as an infield single. Matthews left with a bruised left thumb. X-rays were negative.

        CINERGY FINALE: Tickets for the final three games at Cinergy Field (Sept. 20-22 vs. the Phillies) will go on sale May 18. There will be an additional $3 charge for each ticket, and a maximum of six tickets per person.

        SHAW TALKS? Jeff Shaw's agent, Joe Bick, said Sunday evening he could not confirm that he would meet with the Reds today to discuss bringing Shaw back to the Reds.

        Shaw, who lives in Washington Court House, is currently a free agent. The two groups have talked in the past, going back to the offseason. The haven't been able to agree on financial terms.

        THIS AND THAT: Dawkins is hitless in his last 15 at-bats.

        • The Reds have stolen 12 consecutive bases without being caught.

        • Dean Cox, an usher in the blue seats, celebrated his 50th anniversary with the Reds on Sunday.

        UP NEXT: The Reds begin a four-game series at Milwaukee at 8:05 tonight (Fox Sports Net) with Rijo (2-1, 4.60 ERA) facing Brewers right-hander Nick Neugebauer (1-4, 5.09 ERA).

Cards 10, Reds 8 Reds box, runs Reds vs. Brewers series preview DAUGHERTY: No relief can bring only grief Larkin out of slump, game Rijo gets another shot at Brewers Taylor's first grand slam earns him a curtain call Syracuse 15, Louisville 13 Pirates demote Lincoln despite 0.54 ERA Ramirez out 4-to-6 weeks NL roundup AL roundup Notes from Sunday's games

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Preps schedule

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