Sports

MIAMI — Edwin Encarnacion walked into manager Dusty Baker's office pleading his case for a spot in the starting lineup.

Encarnacion left Friday's game after he was hit on the left elbow by a pitch, but said he wanted to play Saturday, June 7.

Baker and Encarnacion went immediately to the trainer's room together and when they came out Encarnacion's elbow was encased in a large wrap and Andy Phillips was in the lineup at third base.

"I wanted to play, because I've been feeling good at the plate, but they told me to take a day off and maybe I can play (today)," said Encarnacion. He hit under the stands in a cage and then took batting practice with the team Saturday.

Encarnacion is hitting .304 over his last seven games and hit home runs Monday and Tuesday in Philadelphia.

"It's swollen and sore and if you play with a swollen and rusty hinge that costs you bat speed," said Baker.

A perfect 'pen

Before Saturday's game, the Reds bullpen had not given up a run during the first five games of the trip over 121/3 innings and when it was mentioned to Baker, he smiled and said facetiously and superstitiously, "Yeah, and thanks for pointing that out.

"Most of it is because of our starting pitchers," said Baker. "The bullpen has been getting just enough work to stay sharp. They rust out before they wear out. There is a thin line between underwork and overwork.

"If the starters go six, seven innings, then I can mix and match better," he said.

"That means I don't have to go two innings with a guy and he's not available the next day," Baker added. "It's all a byproduct of how your starters do. And I've never had a good team that didn't have a good bullpen."

Griffey rests (maybe)

If Baker can keep his office door locked, he plans to give Ken Griffey Jr. today off.

"I'm going to try, but he'll fight me," said Baker. "He's still sore and it's a day game after a night game. It'll be the last chance before our next day off because we go home to play St. Louis and Boston and I want him in there."

Told that the Reds are 6-0 with Adam Dunn, Jay Bruce and Griffey in the starting lineup, Baker said, "Oh, really? That's great. Thanks for telling me. They're all in there tonight (Saturday)."

Go take a dip

Baker is keeping a close eye on Joey Votto, "And I'm not shaking hands with him, just bumping fists. I've been watching him coughing and hacking and when he ran to third base the other night he was out of breath."

Said Votto, "I'm getting better, but I felt terrible Friday. Dusty told me to hop in the ocean and get some of that warm salt water, so I'm going to do it tonight."

Nuxy Night Tuesday

The portion of Main Street that runs past Great American Ball Park officially becomes Joe Nuxhall Way on Tuesday, in honor of the former Reds pitcher/broadcaster.

Nuxhall's partner, Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman, will be master of ceremonies at 5 p.m. in front of the Reds Hall of Fame building. And it is Joe Nuxhall Night at Tuesday's game.

Quote of the day

Ken Griffey Jr. to manager Dusty Baker: "Is it true you sent out pitcher Danny Herrera (5-6, 145 pounds) so he could ride Big Brown in the Belmont today?"

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