After hitting the disabled list with back spasms on August 20th, RHP Danny Graves rejoined the Reds on September 3rd. Unfortunately, while the 31-year-old apparently recovered from his back problems, other troubles conspired to prevent him from finishing the season strong. In his first appearance following his return, a line drive off the bat of Wes Helms struck him in the foot, costing him a week. Now he's developed a case of strep throat and is being kept away from his teammates to prevent the infection from spreading. Since Cincinnati is not in the playoff hunt, the Reds have little incentive to rush a run-down Graves back to the mound, so I do not expect to see him again this season.

In Graves' absence, Cincinnati is using RHP Joe Valentine as their closer. RHP Ryan Wagner is not currently an option, because as of yesterday he is on bereavement leave following the death of his grandfather. RHP John Riedling deserves a crack at the job, but the seven blown saves he's picked up as a middle reliever likely have distracted the Reds. While Riedling lacks Valentine's dominance and does not possess great control, he at least can keep the ball on the ground. Valentine's extreme fly ball tendencies and poor control seem like a recipe for disaster.