NewsReds option Roenicke, recall Sutton
With extra pitcher not needed, Cincinnati bolsters bench
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
07/17/09 6:39 PM ET
CINCINNATI -- Infielder Drew Sutton's stay at Triple-A Louisville proved to be ever so brief. Sutton, who can play all four infield spots, was recalled on Friday by the Reds, who were looking for more bench depth while going back to a 12-man pitching staff. Pitcher No. 13 ended up being reliever Josh Roenicke, who was optioned back to Louisville. On July 7, when the Reds' bullpen was strapped for fresh arms following back-to-back blowout losses, Sutton was sent down to make room for reliever Robert Manuel. By rule, players optioned to the Minors must wait at least 10 days before they can return to the Majors. "They said they didn't think it would be long before I came back up," Sutton said in front of his locker. "They didn't say exactly when. But it was nice to find out pretty quick. It wasn't too long of a break. It was right on the 10 days." Sutton was 0-for-4 with one RBI in three games for Cincinnati during his previous big league callup, which was the first of his career. He was acquired in April from the Astros to complete a trade for infielder Jeff Keppinger. Roenicke was 0-0 with a 2.96 ERA in 10 games for the Reds. He retired eight of 10 batters he faced, and he let only one of eight inherited runners score. During Thursday's 9-6 loss to the Brewers, he struck out a career-high four batters over his two innings while allowing one run and one hit. The Reds utilized Roenicke almost exclusively when they were behind in games, but they wanted him to get more frequent use in Louisville. "It was tough sending Roenicke back," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "We wanted him to get some more back-to-back action down there. ... He'll be back. He has the stuff, big-time."Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
