By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Unhappy with a series of recent roster moves involving the Reds, Triple-A Louisville relief pitchers Josias Manzanillo and Carlos Almanzar left the team before Wednesday's game against Richmond. Both have been suspended without pay.

"They have tried to force our hand a bit by not reporting to the team," Tim Naehring, Reds director of player development, said Thursday. "If these young athletes feel that that move is the right thing for them and their career, and their agents agree, then that's fine.

"On a business side, they basically make our hand for us. We can't have the indians running the tribe."

The Reds have recalled relievers Todd Van Poppel, Brian Reith and Joey Hamilton in the past five weeks.

To make up for the departures of Van Poppel, Manzanillo and Almanzar Wednesday, first-round pick Ryan Wagner and David Gil were promoted to Louisville from Double-A Chattanooga, and Jorge Cortes was called up from Single-A Potomac. Wagner was 1-0 with six strikeouts in five innings, giving up no runs at Chattanooga.

Manzanillo made the Reds' Opening Day roster as a non-roster invitee to spring training. The 35-year-old went 0-2 with a 12.66 ERA in nine games before Cincinnati designated him for assignment April 19. He was 1-1 with a 4.18 ERA in 22 games at Louisville.

The Reds acquired the hard-throwing Almanzar from the Rockies in March 2002, and he pitched in eight games for the Reds last season, going 0-1 with a 2.31 ERA.

The 29-year-old was 2-2 with a 3.31 ERA and ranked among the International League leaders with 13 saves.

The Reds have been in contact with both players' agents.

Though Manzanillo has an out clause in his contract and likely will be granted a release, Almanzar does not and could remain suspended through the end of this season if there is no resolution.