Heisey likely to return to Reds by Tuesday

CINCINNATI -- Barring another setback, it appears outfielder Chris Heisey will be back with the Reds by Tuesday, when the club begins a two-game series in Oakland.

Heisey, who has been on the disabled list with a strained right hamstring since April 29, was 2-for-3 with a walk on Wednesday during his second rehab game for Triple-A Louisville.

"I'm hoping he will be ready for Oakland, that's what I'm planning on," said Reds manager Dusty Baker. "That's how I mapped out his schedule to play."

Heisey is 4-for-7 with a double in two games with Louisville. Baker very much wants his right-handed bat at his disposal once again. The Reds will use the designated hitter next week when they play the A's and Rangers at their American League ballparks.

"I need a little more pop," Baker said. "You see I'm sending up left-handers against left-handers here. Sometimes it works, but that's not the way it's intended. We were left-handed short last year and right-handed short this year."