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Nationals-Reds Preview

Jul 22, 2010 - 5:19 AM By NICOLINO DIBENEDETTO STATS Writer

Washington (40-54) at Cincinnati (53-42), 12:35 p.m. EDT

The Cincinnati Reds may at one time have wanted to acquire a solid starter to make a run at a playoff spot. Edinson Volquez's superb return from Tommy John surgery may be a better solution.

Volquez looks to build on an impressive season debut and help the Reds take the finale of this four-game series with the Washington Nationals on Thursday afternoon.

Cincinnati (53-43) is 1 1/2 games behind NL Central-leading St. Louis, and could have been a team looking to add to its rotation before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

Volquez (1-0, 1.50 ERA) may have solved that dilemma.

The right-hander was outstanding in his return from reconstructive elbow surgery Friday, yielding one run and three hits with nine strikeouts in six innings of an 8-1 win over Colorado. He wasn't expected back until August after being limited to nine starts last season, while also being suspended 50 games in 2010 after testing positive for a banned fertility substance.

"That was an outstanding performance, and he picked the whole team up," manager Dusty Baker told the Reds' official website. "Our guys are just elated to have him back. You can tell how they played and responded behind him.

"Getting (Volquez) back, especially a healthy (Volquez) and a productive Volquez is like making a major trade."

An All-Star two years ago while leading Cincinnati with 17 victories, Volquez won his only start against the Nationals, allowing three runs in six innings July 6, 2008.

Another strong effort from Volquez could help the Reds - who won the first two games of this series - rebound from Wednesday's 8-5 loss to the Nationals (41-54).

Cincinnati is expected to give All-Star first baseman Joey Votto the day off and activate Ramon Hernandez to start at the position.

Hernandez, a catcher who last started at first base June 21, 2009, has been out since July 4 with left knee inflammation. He's hitting .287 with three homers and 23 RBIs, while Votto ranks among the league leaders with 23 homers and 64 RBIs.

The Nationals, who ended a four-game losing streak Wednesday, will give the ball to Livan Hernandez (6-6, 3.27) as he attempts to win on the road for the first time since beating the Chicago Cubs on April 27. Since then, the 35-year-old right-hander is 0-4 with a 5.75 ERA in six games away from home. He pitched well but got no support in his most recent outing, a 2-0 loss at Florida on Friday.

Hernandez held the Marlins to two runs - one earned - in six innings, but the Nationals stranded 10 baserunners and went 0 for 9 with men in scoring position.

Hernandez may have a tough time ending his road losing streak against Cincinnati. He is 0-5 with a 6.16 ERA in his last 10 starts versus the Reds, and is 0-3 in six career outings at Cincinnati.

Washington's Ryan Zimmerman has four hits over the last two games, including two doubles and a homer, and two RBIs. The third baseman is batting .388 average with four homers and 10 RBIs in 13 games since July 4.