The Reds were nice enough to break the Cubs losing streak for them with a 3-7 loss at Wrigley field on Monday.

Elizardo Ramirez worked six innings and allowed four runs (earned) on nine hits. He walked zero and got the loss. Kent Mercker added two more runs (earned) on two hits in one inning. Rick White tacked on one more run (earned) on one hit through two-thirds of the eighth.

Brian Shackelford managed to hold the Cubs scoreless through his tenure, but, to be fair, that tenure was only one out long. And he gave up a hit before he got there.

Brandon Phillips singled to start off the third and advanced to second on a passed ball while Jason LaRue was batting. After LaRue popped out, Phillips moved to third on a ground out by Ramirez. Phillips scored on a Felipe Lopez single. Adam Dunn grounded out to stop the scoring at one.

Ken Griffey, Jr., and Rich Aurilia singled to start off the second, and both runners advanced on a wild pitch while Scott Hatteberg was batting. Hatteberg lined out, but Austin Kearns brought Griffey in with a sacrifice fly. Phillips walked but LaRue grounded into a fielder's choice to again stop the scoring at one.

The Reds failed to score again for the rest of the game, except for a Dunn solo shot in the eighth. If only it had been one of those 5-run bombs.

The loss brought the Reds' record to 28-23. They would go on to match up Brandon Claussen against Greg Maddux.

10. Brian “Love” Shackelford is gone. Man, that guy was holding us back!

9. Esteban Yan is in the picture. Finally, the veteran reliever that will spark the offense.

8. They're due?

Meh…nevermind. I got 30% of the job done. That's about what the Reds have been doing.

Brian “Love” Shackelford will optioned to Louisville this afternoon to make room for Esteban Yan.

Smart alecry to come in today's Ten Reasons.

The Reds Community Fund is putting on a charity concert on June 15 to benefit the Reds Community Fund. The concert will feature the musical stylings of Bronson Arroyo and Raquel Aurilia. The Screaming Mimes will open.

Today on the podcast we talk to another red-hot mama, Raquel Aurilia about the concert and the new album Clutch Hits.

You can get tickets at the Official Site or by calling 513-765-7042.

Youc an get the album at the Reds Community Fund online shop.

Episode 14: Raquel Aurilia on the Reds Community Fund Concert. (6.6 MB, 7:14)

It's a night for quoting Marc. Joe Nuxhall has been hospitalized in Fairfield with pneumonia.

My kid had pneumonia when he was one, and it totally sucked. Rest up and get well soon, Nuxie.

10. The umps are kicking themselves over that missed home run call and will do anything to make it up to the Reds.

9. They already used up the last of their three wishes last night.

8. Even Cubs broadcasters have love for Dunn.

7. Glendon Rusch is well-rested and ready for long relief.

6. The Latin Love Machine is ready to kick some ass.

5. Brandon Claussen is looking to get himself off the pickle.

4. Ryan Freel is looking for home run number 2.

3. They don't want to get everyone's hopes up with a winning streak.

2. They want to get the game over with quick. It's Scrubs night.

1. Because if they did that, they'd win the series. And then all hell would break loose.

So says Marc:

The Reds have acquired veteran reliever Esteban Yan and cash from the Angels for minor league pitcher Kyle Edens.

Yan, who turns 31 next month, was designated for assignment by the Angels on Friday. He has compiled a 6.85 ERA in 13 appearances this year and is making $1.25 million.

Jerry Narron said the Reds will use Yan, who can throw in the mid-90s, as a short reliever. That means it won't necessarily be Justin Germano getting the ax when Yan gets here tomorrow.

Edens, 26, was the Reds' third-round pick in the 2002 draft out of Baylor University. He was 2-1 with a 5.46 ERA in 18 appearances for Sarasota this year.

Not necessarily Germano going home, eh? Who votes for White?

Per Marc and, more importantly, HMZ, the Reds have put Matt Belisle on the DL with a strained lower back.

Justin Germano, the Randa-trade guy everyone was less excited about, will be available in the bullpen in his place.

The reds have today put RHP Mark Belisle on the 15-day disabled list with a strained lower back. Justin Germano, who was scheduled to start for the Louisville Bats tonight, has been called up and flew to Chicago to fill Belisle's spot in the bullpen.

10. They're on a roll.

9. The Reds have recently rediscovered the magic of the Latin Love Machine.

8. Surely the Reds' offense will show up to protect the Lizard from Kerry Wood. I mean, that match up isn't even fair.

7. The wind is blowing out, and even Freel's hitting homers these days.

6. Chris Hammond's ERA is down to 5.51 and soon to drop to the fours.

5. Ryan Dempster's ERA is up to 3.97 and soon to rise beyond the fours.

4. Dusty Baker.

3. Jim Hendry.

2. Andrew B. MacPhail.

1. Tony Womack.