Chris

Reitsma

Reitsma struck out four of the six Yankees he faced. He came on in the eighth with the score tied, and the Reds pushed a run across in the bottom of the ninth to make a winner out of him. The bullpen is looking like the best place for Reitsma.

''I’ll use Chris out of the bullpen for the next couple of days and we’ll see where we are,’' manager Bob Boone said. Boone is giving thought to keeping John Riedling in the rotation ahead of Reitsma for one more start.

Unless Bob Boone gets fired, it doesn’t look like Reitsma is going to get much of a chance to establish himself this season.

Chris Reitsma could move back into the rotation, but he’s been valuable in the bullpen since being sent back there, so Felix Heredia could get a start. If the Reds look to Triple-A, there’s Jimmy Anderson (6-1, 3.12 ERA) and Seth Etherton (4-4, 3.82 ERA).

''We’re probably not looking at the prototypical one-inning save either,’' Miley said. ''Both of those guys are capable of pitching two innings.’' Both Reitsma (5-1, 1.78 ERA in his last 22 appearances) and Heredia (12-inning scoreless streak) have pitched very well lately. Reitsma figures to get the chance to win the job outright if he shows he can handle it.

In 57 games last year, Reitsma started three and also appeared as a long reliever, set-up man and closer. He could very likely be used similarly by the time 2004 is over. He’s behind Danny Graves for saves, but future closer Ryan Wagner is also around. Reitsma has an outstanding “Bugs Bunny” change-up, and may be Cincy’s best all-around pitcher, so he’s worth a couple bucks on draft day.

Reitsma long-tossed without pain Thursday, and was available on an emergency basis. He expects to be ready to go today, calling it a cramp.

Since the start of July, Reitsma was 9-for-9 in save opportunities and had a 1.04 ERA in 17 1/3 IP. He doesn’t have much to worry about right now. Kyle Farnsworth also gave up a run today while setting Reitsma up.

Reitsma threw just 6 of 17 pitches for strikes, and three of those turned out to be hits. Reitsma, who also walked two batters, left with runners on second and third with nobody out. Reliever John Foster allowed Ricky Ledee to score on an Oscar Robles single to make the outing even worse. Reitsma should keep his job for now, but he can’t afford another bad outing within the next week. Kyle Farnsworth is next in line for saves.

It doesn’t look like it’ll happen immediately, though. With Reitsma struggling, Cox is thinking of using a combination of Reitsma, Dan Kolb and Kyle Farnsworth depending on late-inning situations. However, he also reiterated his faith in Reitsma last night. If there’s anything that can slow the Braves down right now, it’s their own bullpen. As great as John Smoltz has been as a starter, Bobby Cox has surely lost some sleep over not having him in the pen this year.