Ohio native, actor Luke Perry reads Lou Gehrig's farewell speech before the Reds baseball game against Atlanta. (Brandi Stafford photo) | ZOOM |

        Another day, another loss to a future Hall of Fame pitcher.

        But that wasn't the disheartening part of the Reds' 7-1 home loss Saturday to Tom Glavine and the Atlanta Braves. It was how dire Cincinnati's search for a No. 5 pitcher now seems.

        Jose Rijo, skipped in his previous start because of fatigue and tenderness in his pitching shoulder, looked no more effective rested. He gave up seven runs in five innings, and his ERA ballooned from 4.36 to 5.21 in an afternoon.

        After the game, Reds general manager Jim Bowden breezed past reporters after emerging from manager Bob Boone's office. It's a good bet Rijo's status in the rotation was discussed.

        “We'll talk about it,” Boone said of the matter. Unlike the past week, when Boone used an off day to skip Rijo's turn, Boone said he doesn't want to use the upcoming off day — Monday — for the same purpose.

        Change could be coming within the week. Of course, because the loss Saturday followed a 7-0 shutout loss to Greg Maddux on Friday, there are more pressing matters to be addressed today.

Rafael Furcal slides safe into third under Aaron Boone in the 3rd inning. (Brandi Stafford photo) | ZOOM |

        Such as the offensive drought. And the sweep to avoid, potentially Atlanta's first in Cinergy Field since September 1993. And the energy to be regained before second-place St. Louis comes to town Tuesday.

        “We can't have them sweeping us, especially at home,” Reds left fielder Adam Dunn said. “I don't know what it is, but we're just flat right now. But I think we'll come out with more energy (today), and I hope we swing the bats better.”

        A decision on Rijo won't come easily. His five elbow surgeries and six-year layoff made this the most heartwarming of comebacks, and he was effective early this season. But he has a 7.45 ERA over his last six starts.

        He lasted only 3 2/3 innings May 23 in a loss to Florida, allowing four earned runs. That later was attributed to fatigue. But Rijo said Saturday he felt strong.

        “I came in feeling 110 percent physically and mentally,” he said. “I left feeling 110 percent physically but 10 percent mentally. I got my (behind) kicked.”

Ken Griffey Jr. talks with Austin Kearns in the dugout prior to their game against the Braves Saturday. (Brandi Stafford photo) | ZOOM |

        Atlanta's runs came on two-run home runs by Andruw Jones and Gary Sheffield, and a three-run bomb by Sheffield. Rijo said each was just a mistake pitch left out over the plate.

        “There's no leeway for him (because of his lack of velocity),” Boone said of Rijo. “He can't get away with any mistakes. (The Braves) were all over them.”

        Said Reds shortstop Barry Larkin: “His location is key. When he doesn't have it, it's evident.”

        If Rijo is pulled, it won't be as easy as when the Reds demoted Jose Acevedo 12 days ago. That time, Joey Hamilton was coming back from the disabled list to replace him.

        Here are some possible options:

Reds pitcher Jose Rijo looks down on the mound as Atlanta Braves' Gary Sheffield rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run off Rijo in the third inning. (Brandi Stafford photo) | ZOOM |

        • Moving long reliever Jim Brower to Rijo's spot. Brower is 2-0 with a 4.33 ERA. His 5 1/3-inning stint May 24 at Atlanta suggests the Reds could stretch him out.

        • Promoting someone from Triple-A Louisville. The candidates could include Acevedo, Brian Bohanon, Lance Davis, Jared Fernandez and Luke Hudson.

        Acevedo is unlikely. Bohanon (3-0, 3.95 ERA) is intriguing, though Boone said his effectiveness comes and goes. Davis (1-1, 4.70) went 8-4 with a 4.74 ERA last year in 20 starts for the Reds. Fernandez (7-3, 4.82) and Hudson (3-5, 4.50) are generating less buzz right now.

        • Making a trade, though Bowden has said he doesn't plan to trade anyone on the Reds' 25-man roster.

Todd Walker and Adam Dunn both go up for a Sheffield fly ball in the 8th inning. (Brandi Stafford photo) | ZOOM |

        Of course, what amplified Rijo's struggles Saturday is that he was facing the major-league ERA leader. Glavine (9-2, 1.57 this year) is sensational at Cinergy: 16-4 with a 3.24 ERA for his career.

        Glavine's 16 victories here are the most by any opponent. Phil Neikro is next at 14, with Maddux and Rick Reuschel owning 12 apiece.

        “Everyone else is looking forward to the new (Reds) stadium,” Glavine said. “I'll be one who's sad to see (Cinergy) go.”

        Maddux induces ground balls, of which there were plenty Friday. Glavine induces infield pop-ups; there were eight Saturday.

        “It's very frustrating,” Larkin said of Glavine. “It's not like he's overpowering. . . We lost to Glavine; we lost to Maddux. A lot of people are going to lose to Glavine and Maddux. It's June 1. We've got a long way to go.”

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