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.

Cody Ross. He hasn't had the chance to do much for the team on the field, but his very presence has had a positive impact on the roster:

• He's the guy the Reds DFA'd Womack for after getting him from the Dodgers for a PTBN.
• He's the guy who went on the DL after he was hit in his first at-bat, making room for Chris Denorfia.
• He's the guy who sent Mike Burns down to Louisville when he came off the DL.

Hopefully, he's done it one last time. Yesterday the Reds traded him to the Marlins for a PTBN so as to make room on the roster for Kent Mercker.

Good luck, Ross; we hardly knew ya. Welcome back Mercker. And go read the story on reds.com about the trade. It makes Kriv-dawg sound like a saint.

Wayne Krivsky and the Reds actually managed to trade Dave Williams today, just five days after he was designated for assignment to make room for Eric Milton.

According to the story on the official site, the Reds traded Williams for minor league pitcher Robert Manuel:

Entering his second professional season, Manuel is scheduled to report to Class A Dayton. The Mets had planned to use him at their short-season Class A affiliate in Brooklyn.

The 22-year-old right-hander was 8-1 with a 2.06 ERA last season for the Gulf Coast Mets before a promotion to Brooklyn. Overall, he struck out 54 with only four walks in 61 2/3 innings.

I don't know what kind of magic Kriv-dawg has to make things like this work out, but not only has he gotten out from under Williams salary, but he's also picked up double-A pitching fodder. It seems too good to be true.

Again with the old news, but I'm getting closer to up-to-date all the time. Per Marc, Cody Ross was activated from the disabled list yesterday. To make room, the Reds optioned Mike Burns back to Louisville.

Cody Ross' eternal rehab assignment is over. He was activated from the DL today and Mike Burns was optioned back to Louisville.

Guess it is a bit intriguing that they're going down to 11 pitchers, but that might only last a couple of days, pending Mercker's expected return Friday.

Yep, there's not much more to say than that. Except that I'm looking forward to Mercker's return.

Hey, remember on May 4 when I told you that Rich Aurilia was on the DL and Ray Olmedo would take his place? And remember last Friday when Aurilia played? That was because he came off the disabled list. On Thursday, the Reds sent Ray Olmedo back to Louisville to make room on the roster.

Hardly breaking news, I know. I'm afraid there's going to be a lot of this kind of stuff today while I catch up.