THE SIDELINES : Reds Recall Hammond and Bates

The Cincinnati Reds on Monday recalled pitcher Chris Hammond and infielder Billy Bates from their Triple-A Nashville farm team.

Both players are expected to be available for the Reds’ home game Tuesday night against the Houston Astros.

At Nashville, Hammond was 15-1 with a 2.17 earned-run average in 24 games, all of them starts. The left-hander was with the Reds twice this season, compiling an 0-2 record with a 6.35 ERA in three games.

Bates was obtained with outfielder Glenn Braggs in a June 9 trade that sent pitchers Ron Robinson and Bob Sebra to the Milwaukee Brewers.