NewsBarker savors his shot with Reds
Washington (41-75) at Cincinnati (50-65), 7:10 p.m. ET
Kevin Barker has appeared in just 97 big league games. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
08/15/09 12:43 AM ET
CINCINNATI -- The Reds traded a shortstop on Friday and called up a 34-year-old first baseman from Triple-A Louisville to take his place. It may not seem like a linear move, but Kevin Barker didn't ask any questions. When he got the word, Barker just packed his bags and dutifully headed for Cincinnati. "I'm a pretty old guy, and I've been around a long time," Barker said on Friday. "Opportunities are what they are. I will try to come here and live every second the best I can and have as much fun as I can." The Reds summoned Barker from Triple-A to take the roster spot of Alex Gonzalez, who was traded to the Red Sox for Minor Leaguer Kristopher Negron on Friday. Barker won't play much at first base since Joey Votto is firmly entrenched there, but he will be manager Dusty Baker's primary left-handed pinch-hitter. In 100 games for Louisville this season, Barker batted .284 with 22 homers and 68 RBIs. "It's a well-deserved callup for Barker," Baker said. "He's had some excellent years at Triple-A. With Joey at first base, I need some experience off of the bench. His job will be to pinch-hit. When [lefty hitters Laynce] Nix and [Chris] Dickerson are in there, it's a right-handed strong bench." Although Barker made his debut for Milwaukee in 1999, he comes to Cincinnati with just 97 games of big league experience. He was with the Brewers from 1999-2000, with the Padres for seven games in 2002 and another 12 games for the Blue Jays in 2006. Barker joined the Reds organization before the 2008 season and was a non-roster invitee to big league Spring Training this year. "It's just been one of those things where I haven't had a whole lot of opportunities to come to the big leagues," Barker said. "I guess some people fall into the deal where you go to Triple-A and do the best that you can do. That's what I've been doing." As for pinch-hitting, Barker has limited experience, but he plans to make the most of any time after the manager calls his name to enter a game. "I think I'm old enough to make adjustments along the way," Barker said. "These times here are probably few and far between for me because of my age. It's going to be a lot of fun. I will live every minute like I was a kid again." Pitching matchupCIN: RHP Johnny Cueto (8-9, 4.23 ERA)
Cueto had to abort his last start on Monday vs. the Cardinals after only two innings because of what was called a tight left hip flexor. Fortunately, it was determined the next day to be just a cramp, and it isn't expected to keep Cueto from pitching vs. the Nationals. In his two innings vs. St. Louis that went for a no-decision, Cueto gave up one earned run and one hit with one walk and two strikeouts. He threw 39 pitches. The 23-year-old is 0-5 over his past seven starts. WAS: RHP J.D. Martin (1-2, 5.91 ERA)
Martin earned his first career victory by going five innings and giving up just one run on five hits on Sunday against the D-backs. That run was scored in the first inning, when leadoff hitter Trent Oeltjen hit his second home run of the season. It took eight-plus seasons before Martin made his Major League debut -- against the Mets on July 20 -- as he underwent reconstructive surgery on his right elbow in 2005. Reds notes
Willy Taveras led off the Reds' first inning with a walk. It was his first free pass in the month of August and only his fourth walk since May 24. ... Catcher Ryan Hanigan did not play on Friday because he has a stiff neck -- the same injury that sidelined for him for several games earlier this season. Hanigan, who was available only for an emergency, received treatment during the game. Craig Tatum started behind the plate on Friday. Tickets
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• Sunday: Nationals (John Lannan, 8-9, 3.58) at Reds (Justin Lehr, 2-0, 1.80), 1:10 p.m. ET
• Monday: Off-day
• Tuesday: Giants (Tim Lincecum, 12-3, 2.19) at Reds (Homer Bailey, 2-4, 7.48), 7:10 p.m. ET
Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
