By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

ST. LOUIS - A familiar face is returning to the Reds bullpen.

Cincinnati acquired veteran relief pitcher Gabe White, a player to be named and cash from the Yankees late Friday for minor-league pitcher Charlie Manning.

White, 32, is expected to join the team today.

PHOTO GALLERY

Photos of Friday's game

"Any opportunity we've got to improve our pitching we have to do so," Reds general manager Dan O'Brien said. "I know one thing, he has immediate respect and credibility from guys in this clubhouse that have played with him in the past.

"So I do not think there will be any transition for him into the bullpen role."

To make room on the roster for White, the Reds designated pitcher Brian Reith for assignment. The right-hander was 2-2 with a 7.27 ERA in 22 games this season.

This is White's third stint with the Reds, who traded for him in 1995 and 2001.

Before the Reds sent him to the Yankees on July 31, White was 3-0 with a 3.93 ERA in 34 relief appearances.

This season, in 24 games with the Yankees, he went 0-1 with an 8.27 ERA. Two bad outings - 11 earned runs in three innings against the Mariners on May 15 and Padres on June 11 - caused his ERA to skyrocket.

Subtract those and White has a 4.08 ERA.

"Since that time his usage has been very sporadic," O'Brien said. "We know in our bullpen he's going to get plenty of work."

The addition of White now gives Reds manager Dave Miley a balance of right-handed (3) and left-handed (3) relief pitchers.

"Right now (White) comes in in the pecking order behind some of the individuals who have been doing the job for us in the bullpen," O'Brien said. "He'll get ample opportunity to move up the ranks based on his performance.

"He will be a welcome addition, and I think an upgrade.

Manning, a left-hander, was acquired from the Yankees in the Aaron Boone trade on July 31. He was 4-4 with a 5.12 ERA in 13 starts at Double-A Chattanooga this season.