Gary

Majewski

It’s a good thing Bill Bray’s exceeded expectations, as Majewski has given up 13 runs in 9 1/3 innings since arriving in the Austin Kearns-Felipe Lopez deal. The Reds will have to try to stay away from him in close games until he turns it around.

“It’s been bothering me for a while, after the World Baseball Classic,” he said. “I tried to fire it up too quick.” Majewski added that he has taken anti-inflammatory drugs since early in the season and received a cortisone shot before the All-Star break. “That’s the first I’ve heard about it,” said GM Wayne Krivsky, who paid a hefty price to bring in Majewski and Bill Bray last month.

Perhaps this explains his 12.54 ERA in 9 1/3 innings for the Reds. Majewski likely will spend some time rehabbing in the minors before rejoining the Reds.

Majewski felt no pain or discomfort after a 50-pitch bullpen session on Tuesday. He could be activated from the disabled list by Monday if the rehab game goes well.

Majewski says his shoulder has been hurting him since the World Baseball Classic, but he isn’t expected to require surgery. He could return to the Reds’ bullpen in a week or two.

“It was good,” Majewski said. “Rest is what I needed. It’s like night and day.” The Reds are still upset the Nationals didn’t tell them Majewski received a cortisone shot just before the trade.

Majewski, acquired along with Jon Rauch for Carl Everett last month, had a 3.43 ERA in 49 relief appearances between Charlotte and Edmonton. He’ll be used in middle relief.

Chad Cordero entered a tie game in the eighth and was credited with the win after the Expos went ahead in the top of the ninth.

Majewski has fanned 10 and walked just one in 11 2/3 innings for Carolina. He’ll be a top candidate for one of the open spots in Washington’s pen.

Majewski, who should be able to lock up a spot in the Washington pen with a strong spring, has a 2.79 ERA in 19 1/3 innings.