Mark Maloney on Kentucky sports

There’s a change in probable pitching matchups for Saturday’s game between the Lexington Legends and Rome Braves, at Rome.

The Braves have changed their Saturday probable from RH Randall Delgado to RH David Francis (1-1, 4.19).

David Francis

That leaves the probable matchups this way (Legends listed first): Wednesday, RH Kyle Greenwalt (2-1, 0.78) vs. RH Jacob Thompson (0-2, 4.28); Thursday, RH Jordan Lyles (1-2, 4.94) vs. LH Brett DeVall (0-1, 4.91); Friday, RH Ross Seaton (4-1, 0.91) vs. RH Zeke Spruill (4-0, 2.39); Saturday, RH Henry Villar (0-0, 2.37) vs. RH David Francis (1-1, 4.19).

Reds Alert

A tip of the hat to Rob Butcher, Cincinnati Reds director of media relations, for the following:

SS Alex Gonzalez left Monday’s game at Florida after the 10th inning due to a strained left oblique muscle. He received a cortisone shot Tuesday and will be evaluated at the ballpark Wednesday. … 3B Edwin Encarnacion (chip fracture, left wrist) is to have his cast removed Wednesday. He will be examined and then fitted with a removable splint.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Reds’ four shutouts over a six-game span is something that has happened for the Reds only twice before in the live-ball era. The starters in this week’s shutout victories

Brandon Phillips

were Edinson Volquez, Bronson Arroyo, Johnny Cueto and Volquez. Starters in the previous instances: Elmer Riddle, Johnny Vander Meer, Joe Beggs and Vander Meer in 1943; and Gary Nolan, Jim McGlothlin, Jim Merritt and Nolan in 1970.

In Tuesday’s 7-0 win over the Marlins, Brandon Phillips matched his career high of six RBI, the third time he has done so. During the expansion era, only three other starting second basemen have had at least three six-RBI games: Jeff Kent (7), Bret Boone (5) and Ryne Sandberg (3).

The Houston Astros announced Saturday that the club has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with SS Tommy Manzella.

Manzella is the fifth player with past ties to the Lexington Legends — South Atlantic League affiliate of the Astros — to come to terms in the last three days. He joins OF Brian Bogusevic, RHP Chris Sampson, IF Drew Sutton and C J.R. Towles.

Tommy Manzella

Manzella, 25, agreed to a deal with a corresponding Major League value of $400,000. He hit .259 (117-for-452) while splitting last season between Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Round Rock. He was named a Texas League All-Star and earned Defensive Player of the Month awards with both the Hooks (April) and Express (August). A third-round draft pick out of Tulane in 2005, he was a non-roster invitee to big-league training camp last year, going 6-for-19 (.316) in 11 games with the Astros.

* Astros pitchers and catchers had their first spring training workout Saturday at the Osceola County Stadium complex in Kissimmee, Fla. Of 35 players due Saturday, only RHP Jose Capellan did not show, due to a travel delay. All 27 pitchers in camp threw a 15-minute bullpen session.

The first full-squad workout is scheduled for Tuesday. Grapefruit League play begins Feb. 25, against the Washington Nationals at Kissimmee. Houston’s first road game in Florida will be Feb. 26, at Orlando, against the Atlanta Braves.

The Astros will finish pre-season work with a pair of exhibitions at Houston, April 3, vs. the Cleveland Indians. Houston opens the regular season at home, April 6 against the Chicago Cubs.

* Cincinnati Reds pitchers and catchers also reported Saturday, at the City of Sarasota (Fla.) Sports Complex Of 37 players due, only C Humberto Cota was absent. He is en route from Mexico. Position players are due Tuesday.

* Thanks to Sally Gunter of the Astros and Rob Butcher of the Reds for providing information for this entry.