Surgery turning out to be quick fix for Bruce

CINCINNATI -- Reds right fielder Jay Bruce, who had surgery on Monday to repair torn meniscus cartilage in his left knee, has already been without crutches for two days and began his rehab the day of the operation.

"It's amazing that when something like this gets fixed, my pain is gone," Bruce said on Friday. "There is still some general swelling in there, which is to be expected after having surgery. Honestly, I feel great."

Bruce still did not know how he sustained the injury.

"It was gradual," Bruce said. "Who knows how long it was torn? It's something I had been able to deal with. But it got to the point that it wasn't benefitting me or the team, and I had to say something to get it done. It was better sooner than later."

For the third time since Bruce has been out of the lineup, Chris Heisey started in right field on Friday vs. Colorado.

"I told Heisey to make me look bad," Bruce said. "Make them forget that I am hurt."