Bobby

Livingston

Although he has a 4.56 ERA in five outings since moving up to Tacoma, Livingston could get some starts for the Mariners before the end of the season.

The Mariners probably won’t add Livingston to their rotation this month, but they could if they need another pitcher at some point. The left-hander is 6-2 with a 4.70 ERA, 53 H and 41/15 K/BB in 51 2/3 IP for Tacoma.

Livingston, 22, is 5-2 with a 3.08 ERA, 52 H and 37/16 K/BB in 61 1/3 IP. He’s probably a year away from being a serious threat to take a spot in the Seattle rotation.

Livingston was 8-4 with a 2.86 ERA, 103 H and 78/27 K/BB in 116 1/3 IP for Double-A San Antonio. He could be a part of Seattle’s rotation by mid-2006.

Livingston underwent surgery earlier this month for a torn labrum.

Victor Santos or Phil Dumatrait are options to take the start if the Reds use Livingston in long relief.

Livingston might be less likely to blow up than Phil Dumatrait would have been, but he was the most boring candidate among the Reds’ possibilities. Expect little.

Livingston will be pitching on eight days’ rest. He isn’t a fantasy option.

Livingston takes the roster spot vacated by Alex Gonzalez, who is on the bereavement list. He’ll start against the Braves tonight.

That’s decent enough, but the real story is that he became the first Reds pitcher since John Smiley in 2003 to go 4-for-4. With Homer Bailey set to pitch again for Triple-A Louisville, Livingston will probably get another start Sunday. He’s not an option in NL-only leagues.