BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJOR LEAGUES : Reds Send Lee, Layana to Minors

First baseman Terry Lee and reliever Tim Layana, who have blasted the Cincinnati Reds’ front office this season for letting them languish in the minors, were optioned back to triple-A Nashville.

The Reds gave right-handed reliever Steve Foster his first major league promotion, calling him up from Nashville to replace Layana. They also promoted outfielder Reggie Sanders from double-A Chattanooga to take Lee’s roster spot.

Lee was returned to Nashville only three days after the Reds called him up. He appeared in only two games, going 0 for 3 with two strikeouts.

When he arrived Monday, Lee complained that he had spent the whole season at Nashville. He suggested someone in the front office doesn’t like him.

Manager Lou Piniella said he disagreed with the comments, but they weren’t the reason for his quick demotion.

Layana’s third demotion this season came a few hours after his control problems upset Piniella.

The Atlanta Braves put right-handed reliever Marvin Freeman on the 15-day disabled list and called up right-hander Mark Ross from triple-A Richmond.

Freeman has a bulging disk in his back, preventing him from pitching during the Braves’ four-game series in Cincinnati this week. He was 1-0 with one save and a 3.00 earned-run average in 34 relief appearances.

Ross was signed as a free agent April 9 after Houston released him. He was 3-5 with eight saves and a 3.58 ERA in 36 relief appearances for Richmond.