Bruce feeling better, back in lineup

DENVER -- One day after being scratched from the starting lineup on Wednesday against the Red Sox with an illness, Reds right fielder Jay Bruce looked vibrant and healthy on Thursday. Bruce was back in the lineup for the series opener against the Rockies at Coors Field.

"I feel 100 percent better," Bruce said. "It was like a 24-hour bug -- to the minute. It's crazy. I woke up this morning super hungry and ready to go. Last night from 9 o'clock until I went to sleep was the worst. I had a fever. I took few Advil, the fever broke and I felt great."

Bruce was particularly uncomfortable while flying with the team from Cincinnati to Denver on Wednesday night.

"I kind of slept all day yesterday. I was an emergency availability during the game and then made it here," he said. "It was long, long travel. I'm back today and ready to go."