By John Fay
Enquirer staff writer

The Reds' unending search for starting pitching now turns to Josh Hancock.

Hancock, the 25-year-old right-hander obtained in the Todd Jones trade with the Philadelphia Phillies, will start Thursday against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the final game of the three-game series.

Hancock is glad for the chance. Hancock made 142 starts in 150 appearances in the minor leagues.

"It's something I've always done," he said. "It's a normal feeling for me. It's been an adjustment in the bullpen. In the bullpen, you've got to have two pitches working right away.

"That's what I was struggling with here. As a starter, you have some innings to work with."

The Reds have adjusted their rotation since trading Cory Lidle to the Phillies Monday. Hancock will move into Paul Wilson's spot. Wilson is getting an extra day of rest, and will pitch Friday in the series opener against San Diego. Jose Acevedo will return to the rotation Saturday against the Padres. The Reds skipped Acevedo's last turn because of Monday's off day.

Hancock made three appearances with the Reds - all in relief. The highlight was getting the win in the Reds' 3-2, 13-inning victory over the Houston Astros on July 31 in a game that started the day before. Overall, Hancock is 2-0 with a 6.75 ERA since the trade.

Hancock made two starts for the Phillies. He went five innings, allowing three runs on five hits and got a no decision in the 9-6 loss on May 22. On June 3, he gave up six runs on eight hits in two innings.

"I was on a leash about this long in Philly," Hancock said, holding his thumb and index finger about 3 inches apart. "If I was struggling, I was out. It's a pressure cooker there."

Hancock will be the 10th pitcher to start a game for the Reds this year. Last year, they used 17.

Obviously, with Lidle gone, there's an opportunity for the rest of the year for Hancock.

"It's a good opportunity for me," Hancock said. "It's a familiar situation."

Hancock was a fifth round draft choice of the Boston Red Sox in 1998. He was traded to the Phillies for Jeremy Giambi after the 2002 season.

Hancock has had success in Triple-A as a starter. He was 10-9 with a 3.86 ERA last year for Scranton. He allowed 147 hits and struck out 122 in 165 2/3 innings. He threw two complete-game shutouts.

He was 8-7 with a 4.01 ERA at Scranton this year around two stints with the Phillies.

"I'll take this start, see what I can do and go from there," Hancock said.