Outfielder Austin Kearns was out of the Reds' lineup Tuesday night. “He's not starting because I can only put nine names on that card,” manager Bob Boone said.

        Since Ken Griffey Jr. returned, only Adam Dunn has not sat out a game. It doesn't hurt that Dunn entered Tuesday hitting .474 with three home runs and six RBI in his last 11 games.

        Dunn might not be out any time soon.

        “We're going into a stretch where we have some off days,” Boone said. “So off days aren't as critical as they were the last two weeks.”

Corey Dillon swings. (Al Behrman/AP photo) | ZOOM |

        SIGN HIM UP: Corey Dillon, the Bengals' star running back, took batting practice with the Reds before Tuesday's game.

        Dillon swung through the first pitch from Reds third base coach Tim Foli but lined the next one down the third-base line, then hit one off the wall in left-center.

        “Lift some weights,” Reds catcher Corky Miller cracked.

        Dillon responded by hitting one off the foul pole in left — about 25 feet above the field.

        “It's been awhile,” said Dillon, who played baseball in high school. “I was trying to get back into the routine.”

        Boone wondered: “How come none of our guys want to go over there (to Paul Brown Stadium) and run a few?”

        Dillon said the Reds are welcome.

        “That would give me a few reps off,” he said.

        CASTRO'S ROLE: With Juan Castro back on the Reds' roster, Boone has another choice when resting shortstop Barry Larkin. But that won't make him inclined to rest Larkin more.

        “It does offer me another choice,” Boone said. “I have been hesitant to pinch hit with Wilton (Guerrero) early in the game because he was my only backup infielder. I'm able to do that (now).”

        FARM REPORT: It hasn't been announced, but a Reds official said Chattanooga catcher Dane Sardinha has made the Double-A All-Star Team. Sardinha, a second-round pick in 2000, is hitting .249 with a homer and 27 RBI for the Lookouts.

        Louisville right-hander Luke Hudson has some of the best stuff in the organization, but he continues to search for consistency. He allowed six runs in 3 1/3 innings Monday in a 6-0 loss to Toledo. Hudson is 1-5 with a 5.95 ERA over his last seven starts.

        Stockton left-hander John Koronka pushed his record to 11-0 with an 8-4 win over Bakersfield. Koronka allowed one earned run on three hits in 7 1/3 innings. He struck out 11.

        UP NEXT: Reds right-hander Jimmy Haynes (5-5, 4.84 ERA) faces St.Louis right-hander Woody Williams (2-1, 2.33) in the second game of the three-game series. Haynes is going for his third victory in three decisions.

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