By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

After sputtering in a five-game stint with the Reds earlier this season, pitcher Jimmy Anderson appears ready for a call-up from Triple-A Louisville should the Reds need him.

The left-hander is 3-0 with a 1.23 ERA over his past three starts with the Bats and has not allowed an earned run in his past 16 innings.

He is next scheduled to start against Columbus on Monday.

"He's throwing as well as anybody in the organization," said Tim Naehring, Reds director of player development. "He's throwing very well, finishing his pitches."

ANOTHER CHANCE: When the Reds signed journeyman pitcher Todd Van Poppel to a non-guaranteed minor-league contract Thursday, Cincinnati pitching coach Don Gullett recalled watching the right-hander during the 2000 and 2001 seasons with the Cubs.

Van Poppel, a first-round pick by the A's in 1990 who's now with his eighth organization, went a combined 8-6 with a 3.18 ERA, 167 strikeouts and 86 walks.

"I liked what he was doing with Chicago," Gullett said. "He left the Cubs and I thought he really turned the corner. He was throwing the ball well, throwing a lot of strikes and pitching with a lot of confidence."

The Rangers, who outbid the Reds and signed him to a three-year deal worth $7.5 million after the 2001 season, released Van Poppel on June 4.

SCARY SCENE: Double-A Chattanooga outfielder Stephen Smitherman experienced a diabetic episode while batting during Tuesday's game against Carolina.

"He's had some problems in the past, so it's something we're aware of," Naehring said. "He appears to be fine."

Smitherman ranked among the Southern League leaders with a .329 average, 14 homers and 47 RBI through his first 65 games.

PLAYERS OF WEEK: Louisville pitcher Seth Etherton was named the International League's player of the week for games played June 2-8.

The right-hander went 2-0 with a 1.32 ERA in 13.2 innings. Bats outfielder Emil Brown was named the league's batter of the week for games May 27-June 1.

ODDS AND ENDS: Third baseman Mark Schramek has been promoted from Single-A Dayton to Double-A Chattanooga. He had four hits in his first 34 at-bats with the Lookouts. . . . Right-hander Sean DePaula, who appeared in 10 games and had a 6.17 ERA for Louisville, was released Wednesday.  . . Louisville manager Dave Miley now owns the franchise records for games managed (497 through Thursday) and wins (272 entering Friday). Jim Fregosi previously held the marks. . . . Rookie affiliate Billings begins its season Tuesday. The Gulf Coast League Reds begin their season Thursday.

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E-mail kkelly@enquirer.com