By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

PHOTO GALLERY

Photos of Tuesday's game

Ryan Dempster has 10 new books to read. The Reds pitcher, who underwent season-ending elbow ligament surgery last week, hopes some heavy reading will help keep him from worrying too much about his professional future.

"I've thought about everything," Dempster said Tuesday.

"It's out of my hands. Obviously, timing-wise, there's probably not a worse time this could happen."

Dempster, who was 3-7 with a 6.54 ERA before going on the disabled list July 31 with an inflamed right elbow, is making $3.25 million this season and is arbitration-eligible.

The surgery is expected to keep him out until the latter half of next season. How much it affects his market value and his future is unknown.

"I'm only 26 years old," Dempster said. "I'm going to bust my tail rehabbing it. There's no doubt in my mind that I'll come back 100 percent. Not only that, but better."

STOPPING BY: The Reds recalled catcher Corky Miller from Triple-A Louisville. It's likely to be a brief stay for Miller, who was batting .248 with 11 homers and 41 RBI at Louisville. "It's great to be up here for however long it is and to do whatever I can do," he said.

The addition of Miller gives the Reds three catchers.

"I think (backup catcher Kelly Stinnett) has been swinging as well as anybody," Reds manager Dave Miley said. "So it gives me an option off the bench. That was kind of the reason behind it."

COMING UP: Miller is expected to be sent back by Saturday.

The Reds probably will recall pitcher Seth Etherton to start Saturday's game. Etherton is 7-7 with a 4.31 ERA in 21 starts for Louisville.

"He threw real well his last start," Miley said. "We'll give him an opportunity."

SLIPPING OUT: To make room for Miller, pitcher Joe Valentine was optioned to Louisville. Valentine, acquired from the A's on July 30, was promoted Aug. 5 but did not appear in a game.

MINOR MATTER: Single-A Potomac pitcher Phillip Dumatrait improved his record to 3-0 Monday. The left-hander, acquired in the July 29 trade that sent relief pitcher Scott Williamson to the Red Sox, allowed one run on four hits over eight innings.