Belisle, Ramirez likely to be skipped
By John Fay
Enquirer staff writer
DENVER - It's a good thing to have a well-armed bullpen in Coors Field.
The Reds certainly qualify for that.
The rotation was set for the home series with Tampa Bay, which follows Monday's off day. Ramon Ortiz will start Tuesday, followed by Eric Milton and Aaron Harang.
That means the Reds are skipping the spot where Matt Belisle and Elizardo Ramirez have been used.
"They're both available in the bullpen," Miley said.
Ramirez, a 22-year-old right-hander, hasn't pitched since his May 26 start against the Pirates. He gave up six runs in 22/3 innings in that start. That prompted the Reds to skip his next turn in the rotation and have Belisle start.
It would seem like a logical move to send Ramirez back to Louisville, where he can get regular work.
The other factor in all this is the Reds have two pitchers - right-handers Luke Hudson and Josh Hancock - on the disabled list who are close to being ready.
Hancock threw 100 pitches in a simulated game Friday in Sarasota. He struck out 11.
Hudson is scheduled to start for Double-A Chattanooga today.