By Bill Koch
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Adam Dunn and Sean Casey on Thursday were still waiting to hear about their punishment for last week's brawl against the Philadelphia Phillies, but one published report speculated they would each be suspended for three games.

"Three games, I don't know if that's legit," Casey said before the Reds' 3-1 win over the Cubs. "Maybe two games or maybe none."

Dunn charged the mound last Friday night after the Phillies' Carlos Silva threw a pitch behind him. In the previous inning, Dunn had bowled over catcher Mike Lieberthal attempting to score with the Reds leading 9-0.

Silva took a swing at Dunn after Dunn was tackled from behind by Lieberthal.

Casey was ejected for swinging at Silva in an attempt to protect Dunn. He said before Thursday's game that he would do the same if the situation arose again, not knowing that in a few hours he would be on the field with his arms wrapped around a Cubs player during another altercation.

"I know any of my teammates would be out there for me," Casey said. "When that punch happened, that was the only reason I went out there, especially (for) Dunn. He's one of my really good friends. At that point, I didn't think it was baseball anymore. I couldn't imagine going to Silva and giving him a hug right there."

Dunn said his decision to appeal the suspension will be based on what's best for the club.

RIEDLING IMPROVING: Right-hander John Riedling, who was placed on the disabled list June 13 with tendinitis in his right elbow, threw for about 10 minutes in the bullpen Thursday.

"He did well," said Reds manager Bob Boone. "You can tell there's relief in the forearm because he's really able to extend his arm."

Riedling will do a more intense bullpen session in Phoenix on Saturday or Sunday.

"Today was just climbing on the mound and seeing how it feels," Boone said. "He had good action on the ball, good life, a good fastball. All he did was throw fastballs out of the windup."

Depending on how Riedling feels after his next bullpen session, Boone said he could be sent out for a rehabilitation assignment with a limited pitch count.

If all goes well, Boone said, Riedling should be able to pitch when he's eligible to come off the DL June 27.

ALL-STAR PROSPECTS: With 3 1/2 weeks left before the All-Star game, Austin Kearns appears to have the best shot among the Reds to be selected in a reserve role.

Kearns is hitting .288 with 15 home runs and 57 RBI, tied for fifth in the National League through Wednesday's games. He ranks 11th among NL outfielders in the latest fan voting.

A year ago, Kearns was about to be sent back to Class AAA Louisville after going 0-for-12, 1-for-21 and 5-for-34. He returned after one game in Louisville and established himself as one of the league's best rookies.

"I just know I always wanted to play in the big leagues," Kearns said. "I didn't think of anything beyond that. If you're here, you're here for a reason. You try to go out and do your job and let things fall into place."

ELMER WHO? The Reds will face Elmer Dessens tonight in Arizona for the first time since they traded him as part of a four-team deal that sent Felipe Lopez to the Reds.

Dessens was 7-8 with a 3.03 ERA for the Reds last year. He's 4-4 with a 5.38 ERA for the Diamondbacks.

"We've been a little precarious with the fifth starter's spot," Boone said. "So I guess from that standpoint, we miss having him. I'd like to have Elmer on the staff, but I don't know if having Elmer would put us in a different position in the standings."

BIG DAY FOR RAY: Rainer Olmedo had the best game of his brief major-league career Thursday, on a day when nobody was likely to notice.

Olmedo, the 22-year-old rookie, drove in the Reds' second run and scored the third in the 3-1 victory.

"My first RBI," Olmedo said. "That feels very good."

It came against Cubs ace Mark Prior, whom Olmedo faced in Double-A last year.

"So I knew what he throws," Olmedo said. "But he is a very good pitcher."

To battle with a tough pitcher like Prior is a good sign for a young player.

"He keeps looking like he can do that," Boone said.