News
Rosales looking to make name
Cincinnati (11-10) at Pittsburgh (11-10), 7:05 p.m. ET
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
04/29/09 11:50 PM ET
CINCINNATI -- Third baseman Adam Rosales was already home for about two hours from his afternoon game for Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday. It had been what's become an average day for him -- two hits to extend his hitting streak to 11 games. So Rosales didn't know what to think when his phone rang and his caller ID told him Louisville manager Rick Sweet was on the other end. "I actually forgot to pay my clubhouse dues in Louisville for the first time ever," Rosales said. "Rick Sweet called me and said, 'Out of all the people, you forgot to pay your clubhouse dues. You have to get back to the clubhouse right now, pay those dues. And then pack your bags, because you're going to Cincinnati." Third baseman Edwin Encarnacion going on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured left wrist on Tuesday made Rosales' recall from Louisville possible. Rosales, however was playing so well that his promotion seemed only a matter of time. He was hitting .431 and reached safely in all 17 games for the Bats, with four home runs and 15 RBIs. His 28 hits and .754 slugging percentage led the International League at the time of his promotion. "I tried to take the momentum I had in Spring Training," said Rosales, who was cut from the big league club the day before Opening Day. "I learned a lot about being a role player and coming off the bench. Before, I kind of struggled with that one at-bat per night. But I trusted myself and have more confidence that I can do it. When I was at Triple-A, I kept my confidence and concentration. I focused on getting my pitch to hit and getting myself out and not letting the pitcher get me out." During a 3-0 win over the Astros on Wednesday, Rosales batted seventh and immediately contributed with a 1-for-2 night and two RBIs. He received a boisterous ovation in his first at-bat in the third, when he flied to the warning track in left-center field. He got a louder response when his RBI single up the middle broke a scoreless tie in the fifth and had him pumping his fist at first base. He walked in the sixth and added a second RBI with a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning. Rosales batted .207 in 18 games for the Reds last season over three big league stints. Batting .260 in Spring Training, the 25-year-old was a finalist for the backup infielder role that went to Paul Janish. Now that Encarnacion is expected to be out at least three weeks, Rosales couldn't have asked for a better opportunity to show he belongs in the Major Leagues. "I'm definitely grateful for the opportunity I have," said Rosales, who changed to No. 23 from the No. 60 he wore in camp. "It's a small window sometimes. I will do my best and enjoy it." Known for his hustle and for running all out even when he draws a walk, Rosales has been on Reds fans' radar for some time. They clamored for his promotion, especially as Encarnacion struggled. Now the only question remaining is whether Rosales' hot hitting at Triple-A can transfer to the big league level. "It's easier than being cold down there and then trying to be hot up here," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "He has a high confidence level, No. 1. No. 2, he's seeing the ball well. No. 3, this isn't his first time in the big leagues. He's worked hard. I told him to go down and tear it up and that he'd be back. I didn't know he'd be back this soon." Pitching matchupCIN: RHP Bronson Arroyo (3-1, 6.48 ERA)
Arroyo struggled Saturday afternoon while taking his first loss of the season. He allowed nine runs on nine hits, including two home runs, walked three and struck out five in 5 2/3 innings vs. Atlanta. He also hit a batter. Arroyo threw 102 pitches, 60 for strikes. The nine hits tied a season high. Arroyo allowed six of the nine runs in the first two innings before settling down. He pitched three consecutive hitless innings until Yunel Escobar's two-run homer brought an abrupt end to his day. PIT: LHP Zach Duke (3-1, 2.43 ERA)
Duke nearly had his second complete game of the season in his previous start, but he was pulled with one out in the ninth after throwing 114 pitches. Still, it was another gem for Duke, who has been dominant in three of his four outings this season. Take away one shaky start, and Duke has limited opponents to just two earned runs in 23 2/3 innings. He threw first-pitch strikes to 22 of 32 hitters last time out, a sign of sharp fastball command. Duke is 2-2 with a 4.05 ERA in five career starts against the Reds. Reds notes
Laynce Nix went 2-for-3 with a triple and an RBI on Wednesday vs. Houston. Of his nine hits this season, six have gone for extra bases. ... The last Reds one-hitter before Edinson Volquez and Francisco Cordero combined for one on Wednesday was April 3, 2008, courtesy Johnny Cueto and three relievers. ... The Reds finished their homestand with a 2-4 record. Tickets
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• Saturday: Reds (Micah Owings, 1-2, 3.78) at Pirates (Ross Ohlendorf, 2-2, 3.24), 7:05 p.m. ET
• Sunday: Reds (Johnny Cueto, 1-1, 2.19) at Pirates (Jeff Karstens, 1-0, 5.40), 1:35 p.m. ET
• Monday: Reds (Aaron Harang, 2-3, 3.09) at Marlins (Josh Johnson, 2-0, 2.60), 7:10 p.m. ET
Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
