By John Erardi
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Even though the Reds have improved their chances of having a decent starting rotation next year with all the mid-summer trades, there's always room for one more guy to elbow his way in.

Brian Reith (2-3) had the Reds brain trust peering over their reading glasses Saturday with a two-hit, five-inning performance over a solid Montreal lineup.

"Sure, it's something to look toward in spring training," Reds manager Dave Miley said. "Sometimes you have guys who can do both (starting and long relief)."

John Riedling threw three no-hit innings.

Miley would have been satisfied with three or four innings from Reith, who has been averaging 1 1/2 innings per appearance this season. But Reith earned the right to go out for the fifth inning and earn the victory.

"Just to get the chance to start was big. Two years ago, I had a rough time of it up here and was 0-and-7, so it was great to get that win (Saturday) as a starter and finally let that go and move on," Reith said. "I know I can start if I need to. If that's in their plans, great, and if not, that's great, too.

REITSMA BOWS BACK: Reds closer Chris Reitsma gave up two runs on three hits in the ninth inning, but the double play (5-4-3) he coaxed from Vladimir Guerrero was huge - as was the nice catch in left field by Dernell Stenson to end the game.

Stenson made three excellent catches Saturday. His rap sheet says he's no Gold Glover, but you wouldn't know it by those catches.

His shoulders sagged after that last catch. Long day, Dernell?

"Those balls off left-handers' bats curl back toward the line," Stenson said. "That ball almost came out of my glove."

So, Chris Reitsma, are you the closer next year, or do you challenge again for a spot in the rotation?

"I think it's bullpen next year. I don't think I'll go back to starting any time soon, unless they really need me there," Reitsma said. "Danny (Graves) will be coming back next year, and he won't be starting, so I don't know what might happen. But whatever they need - setting up, closing, whatever they need - I'll be more than happy to oblige."

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E-mail jerardi@enquirer.com