As told by Marc:

Word from Louisville that the Bats have released Rob Stratton to make room for Chris Denorfia on their roster. Good luck, big fella. Sorry we never got to see you up here.

Was there no one in a better position to be released? With all the talk about the Reds' minor league system being so thin, this seems like a strange move.

Speaking of spring training hot shots who got injured just before they could make it big, where's Dewayne Wise these days?

The Cleveland Indians have designated for assignment our old pal Danny Graves (via Marc). He had a 2-1 record and a 5.79 ERA in 13 appearances. Graves allowed runs in four of those 13 appearances. When he gave 'em up, he gave 'em up big time, but he was effective most of the time.

Am I just jaded by the Reds' bullpen, or does that not seem that bad? Comparatively, our current pal Rick White is the owner of a 1-0 record an a 6.19 ERA in 16 appearances. He's allowed runs in seven of his 16 appearances.

Not that I would ever recommend bringing back Graves, but after games like last night's you find yourself thinking crazy things.

So says Marc:

The Reds have activated Ken Griffey Jr. from the disabled list and optioned Chris Denorfia to Louisville.

UPDATE: Griffey is in the starting lineup, batting third and playing center field.

I can't believe it. There was a growing cloud in my mind that Griffey would never play again. I'll miss Denorfia and his dimples, but he'll be back.

Chris and George were making it sound like we might be seeing Griffey again as soon as Tuesday when the Reds head back home for a series against the Nationals. No kidding, as long as he's been out, he ought to have a rehab assignment. That would be the best-attended Lookouts game ever.

There's a story on the official site addressing how the return of The Kid will affect Ryan Freel's playing time. With center field no longer available, Freel will have to look for playing time at second and third, and he's hardly been swinging a hotter bat than Brandon Phillips or Edwin Encarnación lately.

Yesterday Freel got the day off while Quinton McCracken took over in center field. McCracken performed admirably, but it begs the questions: why did this team bring up Chris Denorfia?

In other DL news, Paul Wilson has been recalled from his rehab assignment due to “shoulder fatigue.” Cody Ross began a rehab assignment with the Bats on Friday, so we'll be seeing him soon.

Also, the Reds are trying to send Jung Keun Bong home to Korea at his request. His father is apparently ill and our young pitcher wants to spend time with him. Best of luck to him.

Marc says that Rich Aurilia has been placed on the 15 day disabled list as a result of the groin strain suffered in last night's game. The Reds have recalled Ray Olmedo to take his place. He will be wearing number 62.

I'm not sure that Olmedo's back is large enough to fit the number 62 on it; it may wrap around to the front of his shirt. What I am sure of is that I couldn't be more pleased. I *love* little Ray Ray.