By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

One day after shining in his major league debut, pitcher Josh Hall was optioned to Double-A Chattanooga to make room for outfielder Mark Budzinski.

The right-hander allowed two runs on four hits in a five-inning start against the Giants on Saturday ( Sunday story about Hall ).

"I just wanted to come up here, do my job and do it well," Hall said. "Whether it was for one start or for the rest of the year, it didn't matter.

"I knew I had a job to do and I did it. Hopefully, it did leave a good impression. It kind of puts my foot in the door. I was just blessed to get the opportunity."

LOOKING AHEAD: The Reds won't need to fill the fifth spot in the rotation until Saturday.

Either Aaron Harang or Brandon Claussen, who were acquired through separate trades last week, likely will be called up from Louisville to start against the Padres.

"I would think (the roster move) would probably happen in L.A. and maybe before that," Reds manager Dave Miley said.

HEADED SOUTH: Austin Kearns will join Hall today in Chattanooga.

The Reds outfielder, on the disabled list since July 17 with an inflamed right rotator cuff, is expected to begin a rehabilitation assignment today. Kearns will play five innings.

"How he feels will determine how much he plays and how long he's there," Reds head trainer Mark Mann said.

Kearns injured the shoulder when he collided with Braves pitcher Ray King on a play at home plate May 21.

GETTING CLOSER: Relief pitcher Scott Sullivan, on the DL with right shoulder tendinitis, threw 30 pitches in the bullpen without pain Sunday.

He will accompany the team on its road trip to Los Angeles and San Diego. If Sullivan feels fine today, he will throw a simulated game Tuesday.

NOW AT THIRD: With Russell Branyan still nursing a sprained right ankle, Juan Castro started his second consecutive game at third base.

The Reds were expected to make a decision after the game regarding Branyan's status for the upcoming road trip.

"Even if he's not able to go out and play defensively, he's a guy that, with one swing, can change a ballgame," Miley said. "We're optimistic, but we've also got to be realistic."

MINOR MATTER: Pitcher Charlie Manning, acquired from the Yankees last week, made his Reds debut for Single-A Potomac Saturday. The left-hander allowed two unearned runs on five hits in five innings and got the win.