By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

MILWAUKEE - Todd Van Poppel is beyond talking about the future.The journeyman pitcher is back with the Reds, essentially to replace Ryan Wagner, who has been shut down for the season.

It is Van Poppel's second stint with the Reds. He had a 13.50 ERA in four games from July 3-9 and said he isn't concerned about making a better impression.

"I'm at the point in my career where I don't worry about chances or opportunities," he said. "I just try to pitch and have fun. What happens, happens. I don't try to do too much."

Van Poppel, a 32-year-old right-hander, pitched very well at Triple-A Louisville. He was 4-3 with a 3.17 ERA. He was in the starting rotation for the end of the regular season and was scheduled to start Game 2 of the Governor's Cup playoffs today.

Van Poppel could start for the Reds Tuesday against Pittsburgh in Cincinnati. That was Paul Wilson's next turn in the rotation.

Wilson was sent back to Cincinnati Tuesday to have his right shoulder examined. Wilson got a late flight out of Milwaukee Wednesday, so he won't be examined until today.

The Reds are holding out hope Wilson can pitch. If he doesn't, either Van Poppel or Scott Randall will start Tuesday.

NO. 54: Eric Valent, the player-to-be-named in the Kelly Stinnett trade with Philadelphia, started in right field and hit eighth Wednesday against the Brewers.

He became the 54th player to appear for the Reds this year - extending the franchise record.

Valent was home in Reading, Pa., when he got the call.

"I was thinking about some little errands I had to do," he said. "I was shocked. It was a good shock."

Valent, a left-handed-hitting outfielder/first baseman, thinks he'll get a better opportunity with the Reds.

"We'll see what happens," he said. "But it looks like I'll get some at-bats."

Valent's claim to fame? Only three Pacific 10 players have hit 30 home runs in a season: Valent, Mark McGwire and Troy Glaus.

Valent hit 30 for UCLA in 1998.

FREEL UPDATE: Ryan Freel was examined by medical director Dr. Tim Kremchek on Wednesday.

Freel has a moderate strain of his right hamstring. He'll be treated for 10 days and then be re-examined.

CASEY BETTER: Sean Casey, nursing a sore left groin, felt better Wednesday.

"I'll probably get it going Friday in St. Louis," he said.