Reds wondering where quality of pitching went
During the Reds' six-game winning streak, they got a quality start in each game. In the four games since the streak ended, they haven't got a quality start.
Bronson Arroyo went four innings and allowed four runs Monday in the Reds' 4-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
"It was one of those days where the ball didn't roll our way a whole lot," Arroyo said. "Every run I gave up was with two outs. A couple of balls right over the bag. A blooper, a hard-hit ball on good pitch.
"We just couldn't get anything going on either side. We had first had second no outs twice and couldn't push a run across. One of those days, man, nothing seemed to go our way."
The fourth run was the one that bothered Arroyo the most.
"I felt if I could kept that fourth run from crossing the plate, I could have stayed in the game a little longer," Arroyo said. "I didn't have the greatest of stuff today. But I still thought I could keep it two or three runs."
Reds manager Dusty Baker pinch-hit for Arroyo in the fifth.
"You could see he didn't have real good command," Baker said. "He hung some sliders, especially to the left-handed hitters. They didn't miss them. They got the hits when they needed them."
NOTES, QUOTES
Rest of the Reds are not clutching up like Votto
--1B Joey Votto is hitting .333 with runners in scoring position. The rest of the club is hitting a combined .195.
--INF Mike Constanzo is really struggling. He's 0-for-10 as a pinch-hitter and has eight strikeouts in the 13 at-bats overall.
--RHP Alfredo Simon threw three more scoreless innings Monday. He's allowed one earned run over his last 17 1/3 innings.
--RHP J.J. Hoover pitched a scoreless inning Monday. He's only allowed one run over 13 innings this season.
--INF Miguel Cairo snapped an 0-for-9 with a single Monday. Cairo started at third base, only his fourth start of the year.
BY THE NUMBERS: 6-16 -- The Reds' record when they fail to hit a home run.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "We had (James McDonald) in trouble a few times. But he got out of it with the strikeout and the double play. He didn't have his best stuff, but neither did we." -- Manager Dusty Baker.
ROSTER REPORT
MEDICAL WATCH:
--RHP Nick Masset (right shoulder inflammation) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 26. He threw on flat ground May 24 for the first time. There is no timetable for his return.
--LHP Bill Bray (strained left groin) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 19. He began a rehab assignment with Class AAA Louisville on April 29, but he moved back to extended spring training in Goodyear, Ariz., after one outing. He was still pitching in extended spring training as of mid-May, and there was no timetable for his return.
--3B Scott Rolen (strained left shoulder) went on the 15-day disabled list May 12. He had yet to resume swinging a bat as of May 21.
--RHP Ryan Madson (Tommy John surgery in April 2012) went on the 60-day disabled list April 4. He is out for the season.