On Guardado

The Reds brass met with left-hander Eddie Guardado Tuesday, essentially to find out if he's healthy.

“He’s fine," Mackanin said. "Apparently, he doesn't feel like he sore. His arm is completely healthy. It’s just a matter of finding a consistent a release point. Basically, it’s like learning how to pitch to a certain extent."

Mackanin will continue to use Guardado in mop-up situations, like last night's 14-4 loss.

Guardado's roster spot won't be a big deal come Sept. 1. But it seems to me that right now he's taking a spot from a younger pitcher who could be part of the plan next year.