April 9, 2008 Javier Valentin will start at catcher today against Milwaukee, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer. He is nursing a slightly strained hamstring but Manager Baker noted, "He has pretty good numbers against Brewers right-hander Dave Bush (today's opposing pitcher). It's a situation where we've got to take care of Bako, too." David Ross is eligible to come off the DL on Monday, and Valentin has chipped in favorably with a .375 average over eight at-bats.
April 4, 2008 Javier Valentin exited Friday's game in the sixth inning with an apparent leg injury, according to the AP. Paul Bako replaced Valentin in the game. With David Ross already on the DL, the Reds can ill afford to lose Valentin for an extended period of time.
March 16, 2008 Javier Valentin skipped Saturday's game after taking a foul ball off his shoulder the day before, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. "It's sore, real sore," Valentin said. "But I'm OK." If he really is OK, we should see him back in action within the next couple of days.
October 31, 2007 The Reds exercised their $1.3 million option on Javier Valentin Tuesday, according to the AP. Valentin, who batted .276 with two homers in 97 games this year, should once again share time behind the plate with David Ross next season.
September 17, 2007 Javier Valentin left Sunday's game with lower back soreness. "He can swing OK," manager Pete Mackanin said in the Cincinnati Enquirer. "But it bothers him when he crouches." With Valentin ailing, expect David Ross to handle the catching duties for the rest of the year.
