After Monday's 7-5 loss to the Houston Astros, the Reds optioned losing pitcher Jared Fernandez to Triple-A Louisville and were expected to recall Bats pitchers Chris Reitsma and Luke Hudson for bullpen duty.

Jared Fernandez and knuckleball were sent packing. (Michael E. Keating photo) | ZOOM |

        Reds reliever John Riedling was also placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right groin.

        Fernandez (1-3) gave the Reds some good outings - starts and relief appearances - but the four-run third inning the Astros hung on him Monday underscored the problem.

        Managing a knuckleball is like handling nitro. It can be put to terrifically positive use ... or it can blow up.

        “(As a knuckleballer), he is a tough guy to manage,” Reds manager Bob Boone said. “He's done a nice job for us. It's not always his fault that he gets behind. And it's hard to bring him in in a tight situation (because of the knuckleball's elusiveness) ... Who can you bring in and who do you trust? It's not only him, but it's (runners on second and third base) with a possible passed ball.

        You're looking at all the things that happen to knuckleballers."

Astros 7, Reds 5 Reds Box, Runs Fernandez sent back to Triple-A Reds Notebook: Griffey contributes any way he can Cardinals 7, Pirates 2 Baseball labor talks move slowly Columbus 10, Louisville 9

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