He knows after that there's a good chance he'll be relocated to the bullpen permanently.

"Next year, I see myself as a reliever," he said. "They told me a few weeks ago that they still like me as a starter, but I think my best chance is as a reliever."

Acevedo has not allowed an earned run in 12 innings over eight appearances in relief. He has allowed only six hits, hasn't walked a batter and has struck out nine.

He made his first 22 appearances as a starter and was 4-10 with a 6.46 ERA.

He has returned to starting part-time - with the six-man modified rotation. But he is 0-1 with a 15.19 ERA in his last two starts.

"When I'm in the bullpen, I only have to get ready for two innings," he said. "When you start, you've got to take a little back."

The Reds' relief corps entered Thursday night with a 5.22 ERA, second worst in the majors, behind the Colorado Rockies (5.48).

WAGNER BACK: Reliever Ryan Wagner is expected to rejoin the Reds today in the Pittsburgh. Wagner missed the Atlanta series after returning to Houston to attend his grandfather's funeral.

TOUGH CALL: With Wagner and Danny Graves (strep throat) out Thursday, the reliever with the lowest ERA in the Reds' bullpen was John Riedling at 4.90.

LARKIN UPDATE: Barry Larkin's agent, Eric Goldschmidt, hasn't heard anything from the Reds about 2005, nor has he tried to contact the club.

"Barry has to make the decision first whether he wants to play in 2005," Goldschmidt said.

PENNANT MOVER: The Braves were prepared to clinch their 13th straight division title Thursday.

Pennant replicas are displayed above right field at Turner Field. They were spaced out so they went from one end of the upper deck to the other. After Wednesday's game, they were re-arranged to make room 2004.

ON THE GO: The Expos will announce that the Potomac franchise of the Class-A Carolina League will become one of their affiliates next season. The club was a Reds farm team this year.

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