By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Jeff Austin can't help but notice how well the Royals are playing.

"It's tough not to," he said. "They're the lead story on Sports-Center every night."

But you won't catch Austin wishing he were with his former team, which sits atop the American League Central standings.

Acquired by the Reds in March and recalled from Triple-A Louisville Saturday, the right-handed pitcher makes his first major-league start tonight against the Padres.

"I think it's a little less emotional," Austin said. "Having a little time, I kind of know what to expect a little bit."

Austin, who was 3-0 with a 2.50 ERA in three starts for Louisville, made 31 relief appearances for the Royals the previous two seasons.

"The only easy thing about making that transition is you're still playing the same game," Austin said. "It's almost been refreshing to come back with a kind of resurgence and to know that I can go out there for five or six strong innings and give a team a chance to win."