Early tidbits

From the pre-game session with Dusty Baker:

--Jeff Keppingger has been sick the last few days. He's back today and will be in the lineup. Paul Bako was sent home sick today. Because Javier Valentin caught seven innings yesterday, Chris Kroski was called up from the minor league camp to catch today.

--Baker was asked if David Ross was close to getting in the big league game. "Closer," he said. The Reds will probably keep him out of big league games for a few more days. Until he plays in a big league game, they backdate putting him on the DL. The maximum for that is nine days.

--Homer Bailey getting the start, instead of Josh Fogg, tonight is get another look at Bailey. "It's a big start for him," Baker said. "Not do or die, but it could sure help his cause. Starting in the A game means more to Homer, Fogg has a longer track record."

--No lineup yet.