Again from Marc, the Reds have traded low-A starting pitcher Zach Ward to the Twins for right-handed sort-of starter Kyle Lohse.

Marc says that Lohse has been demoted to the major and sent back to the pen on his return to Minnesota. He brings with him a 2-5 record and a 7.07 ERA, so surely he's our new fifth starter.

After making the start on Saturday against the Milwaukee Brewers, Justin Germano was optioned back to Louisville. Brandon Watson was called up to take his place. It seemed sort of odd since Germano had performed relatively well (better than Joe Mays, anyway) but Narron said that had been the plan all along.

I guess the rest of the plan unfolds today as Germano has been traded to the Phillies for 39-year old left-hander Rheal Cormier (thx Marc). You'd think we'd have had enough with 39-year old lefties but apparently you can never have enough.

Cormier brings a 2-2 record with a 1.59 ERA this year, down from his 4.01 career average. Hope he can keep it going.