By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

PHOTO GALLERY

Photos of Friday's game

The Reds returned from a road trip Friday. That's usually a prime time to make player moves.

But the Reds made none on their major-league roster, despite the team's struggles at the plate.

That's surprising because the Reds have a lot of players with minor-league options, and Reds general manager Jim Bowden has sent down players in the past to let them work out their problems at Triple-A.

"Sometimes that's the best thing," Bowden said. "But we're not at that point after nine games."

The Reds have a whole lineup of players struggling. The team batting average was .208 going into Friday, lowest in the National League.

"Hitting is contagious," Reds manager Bob Boone said. "And so is the opposite - not hitting."

Boone sees some of the young players pressing.

"They're trying to hit a three-run homer with no one on base," Boone said. "We've got (Jose) Guillen trying to make an impression. We've got (Ruben) Mateo trying to make an impression. We've got (Brandon) Larson trying to get off the schneid."

Larson and Adam Dunn, the two players struggling the most, have options and could be sent to the minors. That's a drastic move, particularly in Dunn's case, and it's a move Bowden isn't ready to make.

"You've got to be patient," Bowden said. "In 1995, we started 1-8. That was a different kind of team. This is young team. We're going through some growing pains."

Dunn had a home run and double in his first two at-bats Friday.

Larson went into Friday's game hitting .083.

"This is obviously not the start I wanted," he said. "But I know I can hit. I know why I'm here."

HAMILTON'S BACK: The Reds signed Joey Hamilton, last year's Opening Day starter, to a minor-league contract Friday and sent him to Triple-A Louisville.

"He'll work out of the bullpen there," Bowden said. "We're trying to get as much pitching as we can. We're pleased with (Chris) Reitsma, (Seth) Etherton, (Brian) Reith and (Mark) Watson, but you never know when you're going to have injuries."

Hamilton went 4-10 with a 5.27 ERA for the Reds last year. They tried to re-sign him, but he got a better offer from St. Louis.

He pitched nine games for the Cardinals this spring and had a 6.30 ERA, allowing 14 hits in 10 innings. The Cards released him March 26.

LARKIN OUT: Barry Larkin was out of the starting lineup Friday.

The day off was planned, although Larkin slightly strained a calf muscle Thursday against Houston. Larkin suffered the injury in the ninth inning when he scored after hitting a triple.

Felipe Lopez started at shortstop and batted leadoff Friday. The injury probably won't keep Larkin out of the lineup more than one game.

"We'll wait and see," Boone said. "He said it was better today."

STINNETT'S DEBUT: Kelly Stinnett made his first start and first appearance of the season Friday night, and hit a home run. Before Friday, Jason LaRue and St. Louis' Mike Matheny were the only catchers in the majors to play every inning of every game this season.

BRIGHT SPOT: They aren't hitting, but the Reds have pitched well lately.

Over their last four games entering Friday night, Cincinnati pitchers had a 2.35 ERA.

"We pitched well down there (in Houston)," Boone said. "We pitched well enough to win every game"

MOVING UP: Sean Casey has gone from sixth to fifth to fourth to third in the lineup over the past week. He hit third for the first time Friday.

"He's moving himself up," Boone said.

Casey entered Friday hitting .474 with a home run and four RBI over his last five games.

He batted fourth Thursday night.

"I'll probably use him third and fifth," Boone said. "I like to split (lefties and righties) up."

UP NEXT: The Reds play the second game of the three-game series against the Phillies today at 1:15 p.m. Right-hander Jimmy Haynes (0-2, 12.38 ERA) faces right-hander Kevin Millwood (1-0, 3.00).