By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

SAN DIEGO - Ryan Wagner is learning. "You've got to know what you can and can't do," he said. "The veteran guys will tell you you were wrong. It all comes with learning."

Two things he has learned: Don't show up umpires, and don't ask for the uniform number of a popular player right after he's been traded.

Wagner learned the umpire lesson Saturday night. He thought home plate umpire Kevin Kelley's strike zone was too tight.

"You saw his reaction," Reds manager Dave Miley said. "That's what (pitching coach) Don Gullett went out to talk to him about. You can't show up the umpires. If you ask (Wagner), he'll tell you he was getting squeezed. I didn't see anything that was a blatant strike."

Wagner also asked if he could have Aaron Boone's No. 17 shortly after the Boone trade. Wagner wore the same number at the University of Houston.

He was told that No. 38 would be fine for the near future.

Wagner's major league learning curve is steeper than most players' because he pitched only nine games in the minors after being the team's first pick in the June draft.

Although Wagner has some learning to do on the unwritten rules, there's no doubt that he has the ability to have a long career.

When Bob Boone was manager, Wagner was brought along slowly. Miley is treating him like any other reliever.

Wagner threw an inning Friday and two innings Saturday. There was some concern because he had thrown so much in college.

"He looks fine to me," Miley said. "His velocity is still there. His slider is there. He looks like he has pretty good stuff to me."

Wagner's outing Saturday - two runs, one hit and three walks in 1 1/3 innings - was a rough one. That may have had something to do with the gesture he made to Kelley.

"I didn't get a call I wanted. I showed it and that set the tone."

CASEY OUT: Sean Casey was a late scratch from Sunday's lineup. A slightly strained right groin continues to bother Casey.

"You know Casey, if he says he can't go, it's bad," Miley said. "He apologized to me five times for not being able to play."

Ruben Mateo was inserted into the third spot in the order. He played right field and Adam Dunn played first base.

Prior to the scratch, Casey had gone 3-for-5 Saturday night and had hit in five straight games. He pinch-hit in the ninth with runners at first and third. He lined out to right field.

He will be examined by medical director Dr. Tim Kremchek today.

BALE 'EM OUT: John Bale, Friday's starter, was held back from his side throwing session Sunday so he could be used in the game if necessary.

The Reds' bullpen was shorthanded after using relievers for 10 1/3 innings Friday and Saturday.

Bale was not needed.

UP NEXT: The Reds are off today. They open a three-game series against the Diamondbacks at 7:10 p.m. Tuesday at Great American Ball Park. Paul Wilson faces Arizona's Curt Schilling.

---

E-mail jfay@enquirer.com