Last Game
The Reds lost the second game of the Colorado Rockies series, 4-3. Johnny Cueto started and was shaky early, allowing 3 runs in the 1st, which was almost all the Rockies needed. The loss is the third in a row for the Reds, but they maintained their 6 game lead over the Cardinals because the Cardinals lost, too.

Next Game
Bronson Arroyo will hope to stop the losing and give the Reds a chance to tie the 4-game series against Colorado when he takes to the mound today against Aaron Cook at 8:40pm EDT.

Volquez Back with the Team
Edinson Volquez has been called back up to the majors after working on some mechanical issues down in AA Dayton.

He last pitched on Monday, which means he’ll be ready to go again on Saturday, Aaron Harang’s next scheduled start. Harang’s last start was when he blew the 4-run lead against the Rockies and couldn’t get out of the 3rd. So will Volquez take Harang’s place in the rotation? John Fay asked Dusty Baker.

“He could, yeah,” Dusty Baker said.

That means something. Saturday is Aaron Harang’s next scheduled start.

Baker has various ways of answering hypothetical questions:

• “We’ll see” is a favorite.
• “We’re going to talk about it” is popular.

Saying Volquez could start is pretty close to put his name on the lineup card.

I can’t fault this decision. As much as I would like for Harang to return to his dominant form from a few years ago, if only for the remainder of the season, it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen. In Volquez’ last start, he feels confident he corrected his arm angle on his change-up. He pitched 6 innings and allowed 2 runs on 6 hits and 10 strikeouts. At this point, he seems the better bet at providing a quality start.

What to Say to Sound Smart at the Water Cooler
On September 1, the Reds were in first place with a 7 game lead. In the 16 seasons since the leagues were divided into 3 divisions each, the team in first place on September 1 has won the division 13 times.