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Reds begin life without Dunn in opener with Pirates

Aug 12, 2008 - 1:27 PM Cincinnati (52-67) at Pittsburgh (54-64), 7:05 pm EDT

PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- Life without Ken Griffey Jr. has been a constant struggle for the Cincinnati Reds. Mired in a six-game losing streak, now they will have to go forward without slugger Adam Dunn.

One day after trading the National League's home run leader, the Reds begin a three-game road series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday.

Since the non-waiver trade deadline has passed, the Arizona Diamondbacks claimed Dunn off waivers and worked out a trade that sends minor league righthander Dallas Buck and two other players to be named later to Cincinnati.

Dunn, who has 32 home runs, was the team's most productive player, especially once Griffey was dealt to the Chicago White Sox on July 31 - the league's deadline. The Reds are 1-9 since then.

The Pirates, another team perpetually building for the future, have to be pleased with at least one of their recent moves.

Jeff Karstens (2-0, 0.00) has sparkled since being acquired from the New York Yankees and will take the mound for the third time as a member of the Pirates.

The 25-year-old has surrendered seven hits in 15 scoreless innings and also came within four outs of a perfect game against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday.

Cincinnati will counter with Edinson Volquez (13-5, 2.93), who will try to bring his second half woes to an end. Since posting a 12-3 record with a 2.30 ERA, he is 1-2 with a 6.64 mark in four starts after the All-Star break.

Over that span, he allowed 25 runs - 19 earned - and 30 hits in 20 1/3 innings.