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Right-hander Reynolds looking forward to callup

CINCINNATI -- Each season, players come up from the Minors and enter the Reds' big league clubhouse. Some appreciate the opportunity more than others. Considering the time and effort it has taken him to get back to the Majors, right-handed starting pitcher Greg Reynolds really appreciated the chance.

"I think it's more gratifying this time around," Reynolds said on Sunday morning from a locker at Great American Ball Park after arriving from Triple-A Louisville. "I definitely had to fight my way to get back. I'm excited about this opportunity. I'm glad the Reds are giving it to me. I will give them everything I've got."

Reynolds, who turned 28 on July 3, will be officially called up on Tuesday to face the Giants in the second game of a doubleheader at San Francisco. He hails from nearby Pacifica, Calif.

"I'm sure he's excited," manager Dusty Baker said. "He's from right over the hill from my place in San Francisco. I'm sure he grew up a Giants fan."

The No. 2 overall pick by the Rockies out of Stanford in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, Reynolds has had a star-crossed career in the Majors. He reached Colorado by '08 but was slowed by shoulder and elbow injuries. His last experience in the big leagues came in '11.

In 27 games, including 16 starts, for the Rockies, Reynolds was 5-8 with a 7.47 ERA. Last season was spent with the Rangers' Triple-A affiliate in Round Rock, where he posted a 5.30 ERA in 27 starts. The Reds signed Reynolds as a Minor League free agent in December.

"I was just trying to find a good fit," Reynolds said. "To be honest with you, there weren't that many offers out there."

Everything has been solid this season at Louisville, where Reynolds was 10-2 with a 2.54 ERA, 23 walks and 79 strikeouts in 19 starts. Necessity has forced him to change from being a hard-thrower to more of a finesse pitcher. He's added pitches, including a cut fastball.

"I definitely had to transfer to more of a pitcher, rather than just trying to beat guys with stuff," Reynolds said. "My fastball is not what it was coming out of college. I need to pitch a little more, execute better and just hit them with a steady mix to keep them off balance.

"It's definitely been a great season so far. I keep it always about the next start and try not to dwell on what I did the last start or before that. I fought a lot harder this time to get here and prove that I belong here."

Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Mark My Word, and follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon.
Read More: Cincinnati Reds, Greg Reynolds