ST. LOUIS — The Reds optioned outfielder Ruben Mateo to Triple-A Louisville after Sunday's game and called up right-handed reliever Carlos Almanzar.

        Almanzar, 28, was acquired from Colorado in March for future considerations. He was the closer at Louisville, going 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 22 innings for the Bats.

        “He throws hard — 95,” Reds manager Bob Boone said. “We'll stretch him out and use him earlier (in the game).”

        Almanzar has spent parts of five seasons in the majors. He was 0-1 with a 3.38 ERA in 10 games for the New York Yankees last year.

        Mateo, 24, originally came up to take Ken Griffey Jr.'s roster spot, but he became a bench player shortly after Austin Kearns was called up. Mateo had seven hits in his first 16 at-bats and six in 31 at-bats since. He made six starts in eight games immediately after Griffey was hurt and four in 27 games since.

        “It's really hard to be coming off the bench,” Mateo said.

        Calling up Almanzar indicates that right-hander Jose Silva is not ready. Silva pitched two scoreless innings in his third rehab outing at Louisville on Saturday.

“His velocity isn't there yet,” Boone said. “I think it's just a matter of building up arm strength.”

        Silva, 28, had elbow surgery in March and has been rehabbing since.

Cardinals 10, Reds 1 Reds Box, Runs Reds need relief, call up Almanzar Reds Notebook: Griffey needs more time Stephenson ends long wait for win Pirates 5, Astros 3

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