Dusty Baker missed the last six home games of the regular season after being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat and suffering a mini-stroke.

He returned to Great American Ball Park on Tuesday for Game 3 of the National League Division Series, and a fan base that has often been critical of the Reds manager gave him a warm ovation.

“I’m enjoying these moments big-time,” Baker said before the game. “I envisioned these moments during the winter, you know. I’m pleasantly surprised that we’re at this point.

“My health is getting better every day. I would like to think I’m looking better every day. My wife told me, ‘You’re putting on a little weight.’ I’m enjoying this big-time, and I’m hoping that everybody in town and all the Reds fans are enjoying this as well. We’re going to keep on trying to give them some enjoyment.”

Delayed start: Just before the first pitch, a fan ran on the field holding a sign and was tackled by four cops in center field, just in front of Drew Stubbs. Homer Bailey had to throw a couple of extra warm-up pitches as they escorted him out of the stadium through the gate in center.

The slight delay didn’t bother Bailey, who retired the side in order.

Early gamble: Brandon Phillips led off the first with a single to center. He was stealing second when Ryan Vogelsong threw a wild pitch. Catcher Buster Posey was a little slow retrieving the ball, so Phillips tried to take third. But Posey threw him out easily.

That cost the Reds a run later in the inning when Jay Bruce singled in Zach Cozart, who had walked after Phillips was thrown out.

Towels and woos: The shrieking “wooos” that took over the stadium in September were largely silent Tuesday. Most fans contented themselves with waving white towels. They were handed out at the gates, just like they were before Game 3 in the 2010 NLDS against the Phillies.

Cueto update: Reds ace Johnny Cueto has an oblique strain, and his status is still uncertain. Cueto left Game 1 after pitching to one batter.

“We don’t know the severity of it,” Baker said. “He came in (Monday) and got treatment all day long so right now I would just be guessing to let you know how he is exactly right now.”

Chapman confident: Despite Aroldis Chapman’s rocky appearance in Game 1, Baker remains confident in his closer. Chapman allowed a run on a walk and two hits in the ninth inning Saturday.

“That’s probably the worst outing he’s had in a while, but his confidence is not his problem,” Baker said. “He’s a guy that doesn’t show a whole bunch of emotion, which I think helps him a lot. I’m going to throw him back out there, and hopefully, it’s a game-saving situation. I feel confident with him out there on the mound.”