By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Scott Sullivan and Paul Wilson are ready to return to action.

Sunday, Sullivan threw two innings in a Minor League Accelerated Program game, and Wilson threw a session to live hitters.

"They're both ready to rejoin the mix," Reds manager Bob Boone said.

Sullivan, a 32-year-old right-hander, has been bothered by inflammation in the middle finger of his pitching hand. He hasn't appeared in a game since throwing one scoreless inning against the New York Yankees in the spring opener Feb. 27.

"He looked good," pitching coach Don Gullett said. "We'll give him a day off and then get him in a game."

Wilson, a 30-year-old right-hander, hasn't pitched since straining a rib cage muscle in the intrasquad scrimmage before games began.

TWO IN: Right-handed pitchers Bobby Basham and Dustin Moseley will pitch in today's game against Baltimore at Sarasota.

"They're stretched out and ready to compete for jobs," Bowden said.

Basham, 23, a seventh-round pick in 2001, caught everyone in the organization's attention with his sensational year at Single-A Dayton last year. He was 6-4 with a 1.64 ERA, struck out 97 and walked only nine in 87 innings.

Moseley, 21, was the Reds' second pick in the first round in 2000. He combined to go 11-9 with a 3.40 ERA at Single-A Stockton and Double-A Chattanooga last year.

The duo, along with Ricardo Aramboles, are considered the closest of the young Reds' pitchers to be major-league ready.

Aramboles, a 21-year-old right-hander, was the last to arrive in camp because of visa problems. But he had pitched well before Sunday, when he allowed two runs - one earned - in the ninth inning to take the loss as the Reds fell to Philadelphia 3-2.

Aramboles had allowed one hit and struck out six in three innings before Sunday.

"He's been very impressive," Bowden said. "He's got a phenomenal changeup. His curve is getting better. He throws in the low 90s. His changeup is a plus, plus pitch."

CASTRO OUT: A day after playing in his first game of the spring, Juan Castro was scratched with swelling in his left knee.

Castro had arthroscopic surgery on the knee Oct. 1.

15 TO 20 OUT: The Reds will make their first cuts of the spring today. Bowden said 15 to 20 players will be cut. He said there won't be any major surprises.