By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Aaron Boone's departure will give Russell Branyan the opportunity he's wanted.

Branyan, who began the season on the disabled list following offseason shoulder surgery, started at third Thursday and will continue to get the bulk of playing time.

"I think that's good for him," Reds manager Dave Miley said. "I think the more at-bats he gets maybe he can get on a little bit of a roll."

Branyan went 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBI.

TO THE DL: Pitcher Ryan Dempster was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of pain in his right elbow.

He is scheduled to have a second MRI done today.

"It was decided that it was going to take a couple, three days before he was going probably able to throw," Miley said. "To be on the safe side that's the direction we need to go. I think we'll know more (today)."

Taking Dempster's place on the 25-man roster is utility player Ryan Freel, who was called up from Triple-A Louisville.

Aaron Harang, one of the pitchers acquired from Oakland in the Guillen trade, could start in Dempster's place Saturday.

MO PLAYING TIME: From seeing him play briefly during a recent rehabilitation assignment at Louisville, Miley thinks Wily Mo Pena's best position may be center field.

Recalled from Louisville to fill Guillen's roster spot Wednesday, Pena started in center on Thursday. He went 1-for-4 in his third start with the Reds this season.