Major League Baseball

Baker takes wait-and-see approach with Wood

Published Oct. 8, 2010 10:51 a.m. ET

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When he announced his starting rotation against the Phillies for the National League division series, Reds manager Dusty Baker surprised many by leaving out Travis Wood.

But Baker left open the possibility that Wood could start if the best-of-five series goes to four games.

Wood, a lefthander who has been among the league's better rookie pitchers, took a no-hitter into the ninth inning against the Phillies on July 11 at Citizens Bank Park.

The Phils had more problems against Wood during Roy Halladay's no-hitter in their 4-0 win in Game 1 Wednesday. The 23-year-old went in for Edinson Volquez in the second inning and pitched 31/3 scoreless innings while allowing one hit.

Asked whether Wood would remain in the bullpen, Baker said: "That depends on what happens the next couple of days and where we are. But that was a perfect scenario to use Travis in his first playoff experience. Next time, you're not as apprehensive about him being overwhelmed and nervous because he's done it and had success. We probably won't be able to use him again until Sunday. And on Sunday, we'll see how it goes, and then we'll see how it goes again on Monday. He could start. We could use Volquez in the pen."

Lineup changes Baker said Thursday that the Reds' lineup would have two changes for Friday's Game 2. Ryan Hanigan will catch. He usually does when Bronson Arroyo pitches. And lefthanded Laynce Nix will be in the outfield.

Baker is using Nix because he is 9 for 17 with two home runs and four RBIs against Roy Oswalt, the Phillies' Game 2 starter. Six of Nix's hits were for extra bases.

Arroyo is 1-5 with a 5.54 ERA against the Phillies.

"We'll try to get guys out different ways, try not to fall into any type of pattern anyone can pick up on," Hanigan said. "He's not going to get rattled, no matter what happens. His poise and demeanor is going to be the same. Getting him into a rhythm is important. If he gets comfortable, he's going to be tough to beat."

No panic Joey Votto, a candidate for MVP, said the Reds were unshaken by Halladay's no-hitter.

"We've genuinely turned the page and are moving on to the next game," said Votto, who hit 37 homers and drove in 113 runs during the regular season. The guy [Halladay] was as good as it gets. We don't anticipate every pitcher is going to be like that, and we'll try to capitalize on mistakes. There aren't a lot of guys who flip the panic button on this team."

Contact staff writer Ray Parrillo at 215-854-2743 or rparrillo@phillynews.com.

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