CINCINNATI (AP) -Slumping Reds center fielder Corey Patterson was optioned to Triple-A Louisville Wednesday, with Cincinnati hoping he will work the kinks out of his swing. Patterson pinch hit and flied out Tuesday night in a 9-6 win over Pittsburgh, leaving him in an 0-for-18 slump that dropped his average to .200. His on-base percentage was .240, extremely poor for a leadoff hitter. The Reds purchased the contract of utility infielder Andy Phillips, who was batting .315 with five homers for Triple-A Louisville. Cincinnati also transferred shortstop Alex Gonzalez to the 60-day disabled list. Gonzalez sustained a compression fracture in his left knee early in spring training and still is having problems when he runs hard. Manager Dusty Baker said Patterson came to him with the idea of going to the minors to fix his swing.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. |
