By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

SARASOTA, Fla. - Of the 13 pitchers in the thick of the race for spots on the Reds' Opening Day roster, 12 have been effective this spring.

That's probably why left-hander Phil Norton stands out.

He has struggled every time out this spring. Saturday, he gave up two runs on three hits in a 6-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves.

That left Norton's ERA at 13.50. He has been frighteningly hittable: 12 hits and one strikeout in four innings

"He's struggled - no question," Reds manager Dave Miley said. "It's early, but every day that goes by it gets a little later. He's going to get more opportunities, but he needs to correct what's wrong."

Norton knows that.

"I'm trying not to get discouraged," he said. "I'm working on some things. That's what spring training is for. But I need to step it up."

Norton looked like a good bet to make the Reds based on what he did late last year.

Norton was 0-0 with a 2.45 ERA in 17 games for the Reds after they got him in a trade from the Chicago Cubs Aug. 25. Norton did not allow any of the 15 runners he inherited to score.

The struggles this spring could put his spot on the roster in jeopardy.

Fellow left-hander Mike Matthews (5 2/3 innings, no runs) and Jesus Sanchez (seven innings, no runs) have been good.

"(Norton) seems to get two strikes on hitters, then can't put them away," Miley said. "That's usually location."

Said Norton: "I made some good pitches. They happened to be where they were swinging."

CUTS COMING: The Reds probably will make their first round of cuts today.

There are still 56 players in camp.

Once the roster is reduced to 40 or so, the focus will shift somewhat from merely getting ready to competition for jobs.

"Dave and his staff will concentrate on putting players in roles or positions they might be in during the season," Reds general manager Dan O'Brien said. "They'll be able to observe them up close and personal."

LARSON UPDATE: Brandon Larson was able to walk on his sore right foot Saturday.

"It's getting better," Larson said. "The swelling is down. It feels pretty good. I'm thinking I could play Tuesday."

DUNN IDLE: Adam Dunn probably won't return to the lineup until Tuesday. Dunn had minor surgery to repair an ingrown fingernail. "If this was the season, he could play," Miley said.