Bob Boone has set his rotation for the first five games after the All-Star break. The news: Jared Fernandez is in, and Chris Reitsma will go 12 days between starts.

        Elmer Dessens, who pitched Friday, will be moved up to start Thursday's series opener in Houston. Then Jimmy Haynes, Joey Hamilton and Fernandez, in that order, against the Astros. Reitsma will pitch July 15 at Milwaukee.

        How did the Reds manager pick that order?

        “I guess that's my order of approval rating, and who I want to see against Houston,” he said.

        Reitsma (3-7) is last on both counts. First, because he has lost seven consecutive decisions. Second, because the Astros bombed him Wednesday for nine runs in four innings. Hamilton (3-5) also gets pushed back for not having won since May.

        Based on a quality start Thursday in his first start upon being called up from Triple-A Louisville, Fernandez has earned at least one more start. And probably some bullpen work, too.

        Because the right-hander throws a knuckleball about 90 percent of the time, and the knuckler puts no stress on his arm, he can log tons of innings. He led the Bats with 113 1/3 innings this year and threw 196 1/3 in Louisville last year.

        “What we saw (Thursday) was good,” Boone said. “For him, it's a matter of keeping (the knuckler) dancing and making strikes with it.”

        FINALLY FERNANDEZ: Fernandez had to wait his turn last year behind the Reds' young pitching prospects: Reitsma, Lance Davis, Jose Acevedo and Brian Reith. When he got his September callup, it was his major-league debut — at age 29.

        Now he's 30 and knows better than to try to anticipate his future.

        “You have no idea,” he said. “This is my ninth season, and there were other years I thought I'd get an opportunity. But I'm really glad I got an opportunity while the Reds are doing so well.”

        Last year, Fernandez went 0-1 with a 4.38 ERA in five appearances with the Reds, two of them starts. He was 11-5 with a 4.21 ERA this year for the Bats. Seven of his 23 appearances were in relief; he had one save.

        His versatility makes him intriguing. Boone is looking for his starters to pitch deeper into games, and he needs to lighten the load on principal setup men Scott Sullivan and Gabe White.

        “If I can take some relief off other guys, that's great,” Fernandez said. “I really think I can be a good asset. I hope I stick.”

        Fernandez allowed three runs (two earned) in six innings Thursday and was in line for his first major-league victory, but Danny Graves lost the lead.

        RIJO FEELS STRONG: Jose Rijo threw 60 pitches off a mound Friday and said he felt strong. “It went beautiful,” he said.

        He had thrown 45 pitches Wednesday, but those were all fastballs. Rijo, who is on the disabled list, tested himself Friday by including sliders and breaking balls.

Splendid Splinter dead at age 83 ERARDI: Teddy Ballgame Reds loved legend The night tears flowed in Boston Fans bid Kid adieu anew Glenn fondly recalls wingman Hall visitors saddened by Williams' death Quotes on the death of Ted Williams San Diego sunshine helped Williams grow Williams went to bat for Shoeless Joe Reds 8, Brewers 6 Reds box, runs Boone sets pitching schedule Larkin, fueled by off day, smacks 390th career double Bats 6, Indians 1 Baylor fired by Cubs Fans organize strike of their own Yankees get Weaver in three-team deal AL roundup NL roundup Notes from Friday's games

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