The Reds have signed 32-year old lefty swinging outfielder Rob Mackowiak to a minor league contract. Mackowiak played in 38 games for the Nationals this season and he was 7 for 53 (.132 avg, .462 OPS) with 7 runs scored, 1 homer and 4 RBIs. Mackowiak is a much better hitter than he showed for the Nationals and the Reds hope that he can find a spark for them at some point this season. Mackowiak has now played in 856 games in his major league career and he is 603 for 2,328 (.259 avg, .737 OPS) with 307 runs scored, 64 homers, 286 RBIs and 49 stolen bases.

The Reds have decided to designate 1B Andy Phillips for assignment. Phillips played in 15 games for the Reds this season and he is 3 for 21 (.143 avg, .407 OPS) with 1 run scored and 4 RBIs. The Reds won’t miss Phillips much as they have better players than him coming off the bench.

The Reds have placed infielder Jolbert Cabrera on the 15-day disabled list with a compound dislocation of his left index finger. Cabrera has played in 7 games for the Reds this season and he is 7 for 18 (.389 avg, .894 OPS) with 1 run scored and 2 RBIs. Cabrera is just the latest in a line of injuries to players who can play shortstop for the Reds.

30-year old righty relief pitcher Jon Adkins has been pitching very well in AAA this season so the Reds might be able to use him soon if he keeps pitching well. Adkins has pitched in 27 games (0 starts) in AAA this season and he is 0-2 with 13 saves, a 2.25 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP. Adkins could definately help the Reds right now so they should consider giving him a chance as he has major league experience already.

The Reds thought that they could count on Bronson Arroyo this season. They felt that he just had a bad year in 2007 but it has carried over into 2008. Arroyo has started 14 games this season for the Reds and he is 4-5 with a 5.74 ERA and a 1.70 WHIP. Part of the problem has been the velocity on his fastball which is way down from last season and it’s allowing hitters to sit on his curveball. Arroyo has allowed an amazing 95 hits and 13 homers in only 73.2 innings this season. The Reds can’t compete in the Central Division if Arroyo doesn’t start pitching better soon.