By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The Enquirer is following the progress of two Reds - Jose Guillen and Luke Hudson - who are battling for jobs on the 25-man roster.

SARASOTA, Fla. - Last week was a long one for Luke Hudson. His elbow was sore, which meant he couldn't pitch.

"It's no fun watching everyone else," Hudson said. "That's the most frustrating thing."

Frustrating because Hudson is trying to make the Reds, and it's impossible to make a good impression when you're not pitching.

Hudson's elbow problem was nothing serious.

"It's something I typically get in spring training," he said.

After a couple of days of rest, the pain was gone.

Hudson, a 25-year-old right-hander, returned to action Friday. He pitched a scoreless inning in the Reds' 11-5 victory over Pittsburgh.

"It felt good to be out there again," he said. "The elbow was fine."

Hudson's situation remains the same: If he shows command, he'll make the club because his stuff is that good.

"He's close," Reds manager Bob Boone said. "He's not wild. We're talking about command in the strike zone. When he gets that, he'll be in the big leagues."

GUILLEN SURGE: Jose Guillen had a huge game on the small stage this week. Guillen, a 26-year-old trying to make the Reds as an extra outfielder, went 4-for-4 with a home run and seven RBI in a "B" game against the Tampa Bay Devils Rays.

"It was one of those games," he said. "I was seeing the ball good. But it's spring training. I don't worry too much about stats."

Guillen doesn't think a big game or two this spring will change anything, either.

"They aren't stupid," he said. "They know what I can do."

Guillen has fulfilled his potential lately because his feet don't hurt. He had ingrown toe nails on both feet.

"They're better," he said. "(Saturday) was the first day I could really run. I'm feeling good."

Guillen has gotten plenty of playing time. Only Adam Dunn and Wily Mo Pena have more at-bats in "A" games.

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E-mail jfay@enquirer.com