This Week in Reds Baseball- May 18th

* The Reds wrapped up their first west coast road trip of the season Sunday. They started off really strong sweeping the Arizona Diamondbacks in dominating fashion. Unfortunately the San Diego trip was another story, getting swept by the lowly Padres.

* The Reds could potentially have a very serious situation on their hands with their stud first baseman Joey Votto.
Votto left two games this road trip complaining of dizziness. “I can’t focus. I get dizzy and I can’t see straight," Votto stated after leaving Saturday's game. Votto did not start on Sunday. “Something has to be wrong for him not to play or come out of the game because this guy is a gamer, big time,” said Reds manager Dusty Baker. “Let’s just hope they find out what it is. Just because they run tests doesn’t mean they’ll find it.”

* Micah Owings was used in Saturday's 16 inning loss in San Diego in a relief situation. This could cause issues for the Reds rotation in the coming weeks. Owings was scheduled to start Wednesday against the Phillies, but after being used for five innings in relief Saturday, it is unlikely that Owings will get the start. Too add to the injury Volquez was pulled from his start Saturday after pitching 5 2/3 innings with back spasms. With Owings having pitched essentially a full game on Saturday and pitcher Nick Massett more than likely heading to the DL, the Reds may have to look to Louisville for help. The most likely options? Homer Bailey, who has been spotty in his starts, or Pedro Viola who is 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA.

* The Reds open up interleague play with Cleveland this weekend at Great American Ballpark. Last year the Reds were 5-1 against their upstate rivals. The Indians are currently last in their division with a record of 14-25.

NL Central Standings

Brewers 23-14 (-)
Cubs 21-15 (1.5)
Cardinals 21-16 (2)
Reds 20 17-3 (3)
Astros 17-19 (5.5)
Pirates 16-21 (7)

This Week's Schedule
Tuesday May 19 7:10PM Phillies
Wednesday May 20 7:10PM Phillies
Thursday May 21 12:35PM Phillies
Friday May 22 7:10PM Indians
Saturday May 23 7:10PM Indians
Sunday May 23 1:10PM Indians

Reds Statistical Leaders
AVG 0.366 Votto
HOME RUNS 11 Bruce
RBI 27 Phillips
STEALS 10 Taveras
ERA 1.93 Cueto
WINS 5 Arroyo
STRIKEOUTS 45 Volquez
SAVES 10 Cordero