Bailey gets call-up, looking good with split-fingered heat

Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker (right) celebrates with Reds center fielder Willy Taveras after Taveras scored a run during the first inning Thursday, June 25, in Toronto.

AP photo by Nathan Denette Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker (right) celebrates with Reds center fielder Willy Taveras after Taveras scored a run during the first inning Thursday, June 25, in Toronto.

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By Hal McCoy, Staff Writer Updated 12:45 AM Friday, June 26, 2009

TORONTO — Call it Operation No. 6. For the sixth time since he was the No. 1 draft pick in 2004, Homer Bailey is getting the call to come on down. Or up.

The Cincinnati Reds made it official Thursday — Bailey is starting Saturday in Cleveland, his second call-up this season and his second start against the Indians.

Armed with a new split-fingered fastball, Bailey has won his last four decisions, five of six, and is 8-5 with a 2.71 ERA.

His major-league record lacks the gloss of his minor-league accomplishments. In 18 starts with the Reds he is 4-8 with a 7.01 earned run average.

Bailey was summoned from Louisville on May 23 to face the Indians in Cincinnati and while he gave up only three hits in 4 1/3 innings, he walked six and gave up six runs.

On June 12, Bailey faced the Columbus Clippers and held them to one run on six hits over 8 2/3 innings, walking two and striking out nine.

Clippers pitching coach Scott Radinsky told Jim Massie of the Columbus Dispatch that it was the best he’d ever seen Bailey, that his fastball was 94 in the first inning, 95-96 in the middle innings and 97 in the ninth, “and that split-finger was diving like a Kamikaze at a battleship.”

Jocketty on trades

While the Reds have done nothing as far as going outside the organization to find help, it isn’t because general manager Walt Jocketty isn’t trying.

“There isn’t a day goes by that I’m not trying to improve the team,” he said. “I’m on the phone every day. At this point, there just isn’t much out there. A lot of teams think they’re still in it. Think.”

When it was mentioned that the Reds have done nothing with other teams, Jocketty said, “Who has? Not many.”

Votto flip-flopped

Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips were flip-flopped in the batting order Thursday, Phillips moved from fourth to third and Votto dropped from third to fourth — his first venture at clean-up this season. He batted fourth 18 times last season.

“Phillips is so good against lefthanders (.300) and Votto is just coming back,” said manager Dusty Baker. “Gomes is swinging the ball so well, if Phillips gets on and steals and they walk Votto, we got Gomes behind him.”

Edwin’s progress

In his first four games on rehab, third baseman Edwin Encarnacion is hitting .214, but has driven in five runs with his three hits that includes two home runs.

“He hit a home run to right field Wednesday and that’s a real good sign,” said Baker. “We need him to be a ribbie man. The .214 part doesn’t bother me because he hasn’t hit since late April. It seems like he turns his concentration up with runners in scoring position and that’s something we need.”

Asked if Encarnacion might return soon, like when the Reds return home Tuesday, Baker said, “I don’t think so. His stroke is different than Votto’s. He might be, but I don’t think so. That would be only three or four more games. You don’t want him to get here and struggle.”

On Thursday, Encarnacion had a hit and two RBIs in his first at-bat. Any bets as to if he shows up in Cincinnati Tuesday?

Quote of the day

“What’s the tally so far on the National League versus the American League? (106-88 before Thursday’s games). To beat that American League you better hit because they are built to hit.” — manager Dusty Baker.

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