Right quadriceps strain forces Reds’ Taveras to DL; Stubbs called up

Reds put Taveras on disabled list, call up Stubbs

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Reds placed center fielder Willy Taveras on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with a strained right quadriceps.

Taveras was hurt on a bunt attempt in the seventh inning of Tuesday’s 8-5, 10-inning loss to San Francisco. He left the game after grounding out a couple of pitches later and jogging to first base. He was hitting .238 in 98 games.

The Reds called up outfielder Drew Stubbs to replace Taveras, and put him in the starting lineup Wednesday night against San Francisco. Stubbs was leading off and playing center field in his major league debut.

Stubbs, Cincinnati’s first-round pick and the eighth overall selection in the 2006 draft, was hitting .268 and leading the International League with 46 stolen bases for Triple-A Louisville.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” Stubbs said. “It’s more of a mix of euphoria and excitement. Once the game starts, I’m sure it will settle in.”

Reds manager Dusty Baker figured there was no sense wasting time with the right-handed Stubbs, especially with left-hander Barry Zito starting for the Giants.

“I don’t know exactly how we’re going to use him, but he’s going to get the opportunity to play,” Baker said. “We’ll spot him. We’ll see how his stroke has progressed since spring.”

The 24-year-old Stubbs fulfilled one of his goals for 2009 by reaching the majors.

“I wanted to be up here some time this year,” he said. “I feel like I’m pretty well prepared.”