PITTSBURGH — The Reds put Joey Hamilton on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained left hamstring. The move isn't earth-shaking, since Hamilton hadn't pitched since July 8.

Ken Griffey Jr., working out at Cinergy Field Wednesday, may end up taking Joey Hamilton's roster spot. (Michael E. Keating photo) | ZOOM |

        What makes it interesting is the Reds didn't make a corresponding move.

        “We're going to see what happens (Wednesday and today),” Reds general manager Jim Bowden said. “That will affect what we do.”

        The options?

        “We can fill it one of three ways,” Bowden said. “No.1, we can promote a player from the minors. Two, we can reinstate someone from the disabled list. Three, we can fill it with someone acquired in a trade.”

        The only player close to being ready to come off the disabled list is Ken Griffey Jr. His rehabilitation from a strained right hamstring muscle is progressing nicely and, with the roster spot open, the Reds could activate him Friday when they return home.

        “My gut feeling is he'll be ready after the weekend,” Reds manager Bob Boone said. “But I don't know. We'll wait and see. He's getting close.”

        Bowden's answer on Griffey hasn't changed since Griffey went on the DL June25: “He'll be back when he's ready.”

        The Reds are active in trade talks. Bowden will not discuss specifics, but they reportedly have been talking about Brian Moehler with the Detroit Tigers. Moehler, 31, a right-hander, is 1-0 with a 0.66 ERA in two starts since coming off the DL after a year-long battle with shoulder problems.

        Detroit wants prospects. Shortstop Ranier Olmedo and catcher Dane Sardinha have been mentioned. For that to happen, the Reds would have to get creative financially. Moehler makes $2.4 million, and the Reds can't add payroll.

        As for minor-leaguers in line to get promoted, right-hander Luke Hudson, left-hander Trevor Miller, catcher Corky Miller and outfielder Brady Clark are possibilities.

        Given the way the starters have thrown recently — they averaged 7 1/3 innings per outing over the last three games entering Wednesday — there is no pressing need for a 12th pitcher.

        “But I still think we're going to need a 12-man staff in the long run,” Boone said. “The last few days have given me a false sense of hope.”

        Hamilton went back to Cincinnati for evaluation. His injury is the same one that had him on the DL May7-22. Hamilton was 2-1 with a 3.10 ERA before the injury and 1-4 with 7.09 ERA after.

        The Reds moved Hamilton to the bullpen after they traded for Ryan Dempster July11. But Hamilton hasn't pitched since July 7, so the move was retroactive to July8.

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