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Reds rely on former Rockie Reynolds in Colorado

Aug 31, 2013 - 2:05 PM (Sports Network) - Greg Reynolds was never able to become a fixture in the rotation of the Colorado Rockies, who made him the second overall pick in the 2006 draft.

The right-hander now finds himself trying to help the Cincinnati Reds on their quest for a playoff spot and faces his former team for the first time on Saturday night in the second contest of a three-game series at Coors Field.

Reynolds spent the majority of his time with the Rockies organization in the minor leagues, appearing at the big league level for a spell in 2008 and again in 2011. In 27 total appearances with Colorado, including 16 starts, he went just 5-8 with a 7.47 earned run average.

The 28-year-old was traded to the Texas Rangers in January of 2012 and signed as a free agent with the Reds in December. He has had success with Triple-A Louisville, going 12-3 with a 2.42 ERA in 23 games (21 starts).

Reynolds will pitch for the third time this year with the Reds. He was recalled for a doubleheader on July 23, then replaced an injured Tony Cingrani in the rotation last Sunday versus Milwaukee. He lost for the second time in as many decisions, despite giving up two runs over six innings.

The Rockies' Juan Nicasio, meanwhile, takes on the Reds for the second time in his career. He did not factor into the decision of his first meeting with the club, allowing three runs over six innings on June 4 in Cincinnati.

Nicasio capped his July with a loss in Atlanta in which he gave up eight runs over four innings. The righty has gone 2-1 with a 3.25 ERA in five starts this month and is coming off Monday's 6-1 win over San Francisco. Nicasio hurled six scoreless innings of four-hit ball, walking two and striking out nine to match a season high.

The 27-year-old is 8-6 with a 4.57 ERA in 25 starts this season.

Todd Helton eyes the 2,500th hit of his career in tonight's game. He moved within one hit of the milestone in Friday's 9-6 victory, belting a pair of three-run homers.

"He's one of those guys that's going to be able to hit when he's 52," said Colorado manager Walt Weiss. "That was a great night for Todd and for everybody that was here."

Charlie Culberson added a two-run double and Wilin Rosario had four hits and scored a pair of runs for the Rockies, winners in five of their last seven games.

Jorge De La Rosa gave up three runs on eight hits over six innings to pick up his fifth straight win.

Ryan Ludwick hit a solo homer and Ryan Hanigan had two hits and two RBI for the Reds, who have lost four of five and hold a six-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks for league's second wild card spot. They are also 3 1/2 games out of first place in the NL Central.

Bronson Arroyo gave up six runs on nine hits over 3 1/3 innings to absorb the loss.

"When it happens for him it happens quickly," said Cincinnati manager Dusty Baker about Arroyo's tough outing. "You can't even get anyone warm fast enough."

The Reds won two of three when the teams met in Cincinnati in May.