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Reds Minor League Players of the Month

Bakersfield's Smith, Pensacola's Joseph Earn May Honors

CINCINNATI - Class A Bakersfield CF Bryson Smith and Class AA Pensacola LHP Donnie Joseph have been named the Cincinnati Reds' Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Month for May.

Smith, 23, in 25 games in May led all Reds farmhands in batting (.363) and on-base percentage (.439) while ranking tied for second in RBI (20) and fourth in runs scored (17). He 

In 49 games so far in 2012, Smith ranks second in the organization in batting (.322) behind teammate Billy Hamilton (.327) and ranks third with 32 RBI.

The Athens, Georgia native was selected by the Reds in 34th round of the 2011 first-year player draft out of the University of Florida.

 "Smitty is a tremendous all-around player," Bakersfield manager Ken Griffey Sr. said. "He came out early and was pressing a bit, but as soon as he relaxed, he started hitting drives every which way. He's worked his way into the middle of our lineup, and he's a tough kid with a great glove in centerfield. He has been huge for the team since the second week of the season."

Joseph, 24, led the organization and tied for third in all of minor league baseball with 8 saves in May. The reliever compiled a 2-1 record and a 1.06 ERA in 13 appearances, recording 25 strikeouts in 17.0 innings while walking just 3 and allowing 7 hits.

Joseph leads all Reds farmhands with 12 saves and has posted a 0.93 ERA in 25 appearances and 29.0 innings. This season he has allowed just 3 earned runs on 13 hits and 8 walks while striking out 44 batters.

He was selected by the Reds in the third round of the 2009 first-year player draft out of the University of Houston.

 "It is a great honor and I feel very blessed," Joseph said. "I'm thankful for a great pitching coach who has taught me a lot of things and helped me get to the point I am with my pitching. I'm also thankful for a great manager who believes in me and puts me out there to pitch. I know I wouldn't be where I am without our great staff and also the great guys I get to play with each day."

"Donnie has had a great couple months with us," Pensacola manager Jim Riggleman said. "The honor is hard earned and well deserved. He’s been both durable and effective for us and we have nothing but great things to say about Donnie."

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