July 2012 - Cincinnati Reds Wiretap

Madison Bumgarner fired a one-hit gem as the Giants notched a franchise-record fourth straight shutout in a 5-0 win over the Reds. Bumgarner didn't give up a hit until the sixth inning, and the Giants' starting pitchers have now gone a club-record 36 straight innings without allowing a run. With the Dodgers' loss to the Mets, the Giants moved into sole possession of first place in the NL West.

Dusty Baker is trying to ensure that Aroldis Chapman won't be doing any more somersaults on the field. Chapman did a pair of forward rolls after striking out Martin Maldonado to complete a 4-3 win over the Brewers on Tuesday night. "It's been addressed already and it's over," Baker said on Wednesday. "It won't happen again - ever. I know he's happy and things have been going poorly for him, but he's got to demonstrate in a different way." Chapman, who speaks through a translator, declined to discuss it.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman rolled into a double somersault after closing out a win against the Brewers on Tuesday night. Before recording the save, the left-hander had blown two chances and had an 11.37 ERA over his last seven outings. Dusty Baker was not happy with his pitcher's celebration. "I know he was happy, especially after the bad week he had last week," said Baker, who saw Chapman's rolls on the jumbotron replay. "But that's something -- we don't play like that." Baker added that the coaching staff has addressed the issue. "I didn't see it," said Brewers right fielder Corey Hart. "I don't care."

MLB announced today that two Minor League players have been suspended following their violations of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Reds right-handed pitcher Luis Atilano has received a 50-game suspension without pay after a second violation for a drug of abuse. The suspension of Atilano, who is currently on the roster of the Double-A Pensacola Blue Wahoos of the Southern League, is effective immediately. Red Sox Minor League right-handed pitcher Marco Duarte has received a 50-game suspension without pay after testing positive for an amphetamine. The suspension of Duarte, who is currently on the roster of the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs of the Eastern League, is effective immediately.

A Maryland woman has been charged with filing a false police report over a robbery report at the hotel room of Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman. Twenty-six-year-old Claudia Manrique, of Silver Spring, Md., was charged Wednesday by Pittsburgh police with a single misdemeanor count.

Mets left fielder Jason Bay was forced to leave Friday night's game against the Reds after hitting his head against the left-field wall on Jay Bruce's second-inning inside-the-park home run. The Mets say Bay left with a possible concussion.

Dusty Baker is riled up after Indians pitcher Derek Lowe took exception to an inside pitch during Wednesday night's game. After Cincinnati starter Mat Latos pitched inside to Lowe, he gestured toward Baker, who shook his finger back at him. Lowe then hit Brandon Phillips with a pitch in the bottom of the inning and both benches were warned. Lowe suggested the inside fastball was a payback for a personal issue between him and Baker from a few years ago. He said he has "zero respect for the guy," and suggested reporters should ask Baker about the matter.

Reds left-hander Aroldis Chapman hadn't allowed a run all season before Thursday night's game against the Pirates. Chapman hadn't allowed an earned run in a club-record 24 appearances covering 29 innings. He came in to start the 10th inning with a 0.00 ERA. "He's a special guy with a special arm," said Michael McKenry, who hit an RBI double. "You've got to prepare for the 100 mph fastball. You can't think about anything else." The catcher's double to right field came off a 99 mph fastball. "McKenry hit a real good pitch," manager Dusty Baker said. "If you catch up to Chapman's fastball, you're going to hit it hard somewhere."

The Reds have released Jeff Francis at his request. The left-hander tossed a complete-game shutout for Triple-A Louisville on Sunday. He had a June 1 opt-out clause in his Minor League contract, according to a report. In 12 starts with Louisville this season, the 31-year-old Francis went 3-6 with a 3.72 ERA over 77 1/3 innings.