Manager Dusty Baker told Choo to not come in early and to get some rest. Choo asked Bruce what time he should come in because he’s not used to resting. This was the best chance for Choo to take a day off because they’ll need him more against the upcoming opponents.
“It’s not in his makeup,” Baker said. “It’s not in his culture. I wasn’t going to give (the day off) to him against the Pirates. I wasn’t going to give it to him against the Diamondbacks. He’s the only guy on our team that knows anything about Texas or Oakland, so today was the day.”
Choo’s numbers have declined since his hot start. He hit .337 in April and .240 in May and is hitting .236 in June. His on-base percentage has also fallen. It was .477 in April, .411 in May and is .364 so far in June. He still ranks third in baseball with a .428 on-base percentage, trailing only the Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera (.448) and Joey Votto (.436).
“He’s been struggling some,” Baker said. “I just see him a little tired. He exerts a lot of energy. He’s here early every day.”
Choo said he didn’t need the day off, but he does what the manager says.
“Dusty told me I look tired, but I don’t feel tired,” he said. “Dusty’s the boss. He’s the captain. He makes the decisions.”
Marshall update: Reliever Sean Marshall said he could return in three weeks or less. He has pitched only seven innings this season because of a sore shoulder. He was on the disabled list from April 10-25, was put on the DL again May 24 and has been there ever since.
Marshall shut his arm down for a full two weeks and worked to strengthen the muscles. He has stayed involved with the team by mentoring some of the younger pitchers.
“Struggles are part of the season,” Marshall said. “Everyone’s not going to be perfect all the time. (Marshall’s absence) gives other guys a chance to pitch in some meaningful games and for them to learn from those experiences. I’m able to add some guidance for some guys and make sure they’re ready to pitch and give them some insight into how I pitch guys. I feel like a bit of the assistant bullpen guy.”
Roster move: Pedro Villarreal was sent back to Triple-A Louisville on Sunday one day after being called up. He didn't pitch Saturday, and the Reds had to make room for him on the roster because Johnny Cueto came off the DL.
Speed bump: The Reds have moved 14 games over .500 four times this season and lost the next game each time: 5-2 at Cleveland on May 29, 5-4 at Pittsburgh on June 2, 6-5 at Chicago on June 13 and 6-0 at home against the Brewers on Saturday.
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