Phillips battling rust after missing four games

CINCINNATI -- Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips, who missed four games this week with a bruised left forearm, is 1-for-7 since returning to the lineup.

"I'm sure his timing's off a little bit," Reds manager Dusty Baker said.

Phillips was hit by Pittsburgh reliever Tony Watson in the eighth inning of the Reds' 2-0 road win June 1. Initially, Phillips thought his forearm was broken, but X-rays indicated otherwise.

Phillips had been 2-for-3 that night and was 7-for-16 (.438) in his previous four games.

The Reds went 1-3 in his absence, losing a pair of one-run games.

Phillips returned to the lineup Friday in time for a weekend series against St. Louis. He went 1-for-4 in Friday's 9-2 loss and 0-for-3 in Saturday 4-2 win. He ranks fifth in the National League with 44 RBIs.

"He hasn't said much about [the injury]," Baker said. "He doesn't complain much about stuff."