By John Fay
Enquirer staff writer

DENVER - With four off days coming up over the next 27 days, the Reds shuffled their rotation.

Jose Acevedo was the obvious man out.

Acevedo, 4-10 with a 6.46 ERA, will be used in the bullpen in the meantime.

"Maybe we'll find something," Reds manager Dave Miley. "He pitched well last year (for Louisville) in the bullpen. An extra arm in the bullpen can't hurt in Colorado."

The Reds were operating - Friday night at least - a man short in the bullpen. John Riedling remains in Florida on the bereavement list, following the death of his father, Jack.

Acevedo, a 26-year-old right-hander, has made 26 consecutive starts for the Reds, dating to last season. Overall, 49 of his 51 appearances for the Reds have been as a starter.

But he has struggled mightily lately. In his seven starts since his last victory, he is 0-4 with a 9.66 ERA.

But his problems go back further than that: In his past 12 starts, he is 1-7 with an 8.90 ERA. Only one of the 12 qualified as a quality start (six innings or more, three runs or fewer).

Acevedo accepted the re-assignment but sees it as temporary.

"I'll do whatever I can to help my team," Acevedo said. "This series with John Riedling out, we need someone in the bullpen."

Asked if it could help him, Acevedo said: "I think it could help a little bit. But I'm pretty sure my job is as a starting pitcher."

Acevedo will get the call when the Reds need a fifth starter.

Acevedo started the year well. He was 3-3 with a 4.15 ERA and seven quality starts after 10 games.

Acevedo's career statistics

Year	TM	W	L	IP	H	ER	HR	SO	BB	ERA
2001	Reds	5	7	96.0	101	58	17	68	34	5.44
2002	Reds	4	2	23.2	28	19	8	14	12	7.23
2003	Reds	2	0	27.0	17	8	3	23	6	2.67
2004	Reds	4	10	118.1	145	85	23	94	23	6.47