By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

PITTSBURGH - The Reds lasted all of three days with a 10-man pitching staff.

The club called up right-hander Todd Van Poppel from Triple-A Louisville and optioned outfielder Stephen Smitherman to Louisville. Smitherman had been called up from Double-A Chattanooga on Sunday.

"If something happens, the extra pitcher is more valuable than the extra player," Reds manager Bob Boone said. "We could get in a situation where I burn up the whole bullpen in one day. I feel a little more secure with the extra pitcher."

Van Poppel, a 31-year-old right-hander, began the season with Texas. He went 1-0 with an 8.53 ERA before being released June 4. The Reds signed him six days later. He was 1-0 with a 1.76 ERA at Louisville.

"(The Reds) called right away," Van Poppel said. "It makes you feel good when a team shows that much interest."

Boone is familiar with Van Poppel. He managed him at Triple-A Tacoma in 1992 and '93.

"We've got awfully good reports on him," Boone said. "We saw him when he was really good with the Cubs."

Van Poppel was 4-1 with a 2.52 ERA for the Cubs in 2001 - the best of his nine seasons in the majors.

Smitherman became expendable when Austin Kearns' knee improved to the point that he might be able to play as soon as today.

Smitherman's stay with the Reds included only one at-bat.

"I was very impressed with the two swings and the rocket he hit," Boone said. "We saw in spring training that he has a knack of getting in good hitting position and giving it a pretty good whack no matter who's out there pitching."

SUSPENSIONS: As expected, Sean Casey began serving his two-game suspension Wednesday.

Jose Guillen is still awaiting a hearing on his suspension. It could be a week or more before the appeal is heard.

Russell Branyan started at first in Casey's spot Wednesday.

RUMOR REBUTTED: Reds general manager Jim Bowden does not address trades specifically, but he shot down a report that the Reds were talking about trading Adam Dunn and Scott Sullivan to the Florida Marlins for Brad Penny and Luis Castillo.

"We're not going to trade Dunn or (Austin) Kearns," Bowden said.

A front-office source said the Reds haven't talked with the Marlins since the offseason but would be interested in talking about Castillo and Penny, just not for Kearns or Dunn.

OLMEDO STARTS: Ray Olmedo made his second straight start at second base Wednesday. Someone asked if Olmedo had moved above Felipe Lopez.

"Of course," Boone said. "Olmedo's here starting tonight and Lopez is at Louisville. But we're going to watch and let them play. I know you (reporters) have to, but I don't label it."

Olmedo had six hits and five RBI over his last two games entering Wednesday. That put his average at .345. Not bad for someone who carried the good-glove, soft-bat label.

"We're not surprised, because of his talent," Bowden said. "But we didn't expect him to be doing it for the Reds in June and July of 2003. We didn't expect him to be here until September of 2004.

"But when you have that talent, it can happen quickly. He has great instincts. He's given the club a lift."

Olmedo's instincts tell him not to try to do too much at the plate.

"See the ball, put it in play," he said. "Hit groundballs, line drives. If I get a home run I'll take it."

KEARNS UPDATE: Kearns was reassured by the fact that the MRI on his right shoulder didn't show any structural damage. But the news wasn't all good.

Dr. Tim Kremchek told him the only cure is prolonged rest. Kearns doesn't want to do that.

"Everyone in here plays hurt," Kearns said. "You just have to be smart about it."

SELLOUT: The Reds-Mets game on Saturday is sold out - the Reds' eighth sellout of the year. Standing-room tickets ($5) remain on sale.

UP NEXT: The Reds wrap up the three-game series with the Pirates today. Right-hander Ryan Dempster (2-4, 6.21 ERA) faces right-hander Josh Fogg (4-3, 4.35). Dempster is 1-0 with a 3.94 ERA in six games since coming off the disabled list.

Reds notebook